Study utilising Malaysia-specific data underlines solutions to diabetes dilemma

April 24, 2024

Study utilising Malaysia-specific data underlines solutions to diabetes dilemma“Eat less carbs and cut back on sugar!”

With 1 in 5 adults in Malaysia diagnosed with diabetes 1, this advice is doled out freely but is that all?

Experts say there is much more to it, as diabetes is a complex condition with multiple factors that tip the scales, including family history, physiology and physical activity, along with diet playing a role.

After years of steady increase, as shown in successive National Health and Morbidity Surveys, diabetes rates in Malaysia have reached alarming levels and, if left unchecked, will escalate from 3.9 million in 2019 to 7 million in 2025.2 Approximately 34.38% of the population have elevated blood sugar (HbA1c) levels above 6.5%, which is the threshold for diagnosing diabetes.

However, that is not the only concern. The National Diabetes Registry Report 2013-2019 noted an increase in diabetes-related complications such as amputations, blindness (diabetic retinopathy), erectile dysfunction and kidney disease in Malaysia 3, contributing to poor health outcomes and quality of life among diabetes patients.

The burden and impact of diabetes is also felt globally, with the World Health Organization reporting that prevalence of diabetes has risen dramatically in countries of all income levels. 4What’s more, while prevalence of diabetes is highest among those aged 75-79 5 type 2 diabetes (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes and representing more than 95% of diabetes cases) is occurring more frequently in children 6.

What does this mean for us and what can we do about it?

Firstly, it is important to understand that the epidemiology of diabetes is dynamic, with global ebbs and flows that demonstrate success stories and areas for improvement, said Prof Edward Gregg, Head of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) School of Population Health.

For example, between 1960 and 1980, there was a clear upward trend in diabetes with an increased risk for complications. In response, improvements in quality of care helped to reduce both the incidence of diabetes and its related complications in the years that followed. Owing to many factors, current data now reveals reduced cardiovascular deaths among older adults, alongside a concerning increase in obesity among younger adults, with more diverse complications. This complex situation means that more people are living with one or more chronic conditions for longer, presenting a significant challenge to healthcare practitioners.

However, he also stressed that these trends were reflected in other western countries such as the United Kingdom, while data from other parts of the world were not readily available.

Explaining further, Prof Datuk Dr Lokman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research at IMU University, explained that, while global healthcare trends are good indicators, most of the existing research on diabetes is based on Western populations. Because of this, results from these studies do not directly translate to the diet, genetics, culture and lifestyle of Malaysians. Likewise, as long-term, longitudinal studies are lacking in Malaysia and many other Asian nations, most of the established guidelines for the prevention and management of diabetes are also based on Western demographics.

As Asian diets consist of more carbohydrate-rich foods in the form of rice, noodles and breads, researchers have looked into the key differences between Western and Asian diets and physiology. Their work has found that food, especially simple sugars and carbohydrates, affect blood glucose levels differently between people of Caucasian and Asian descent, with a higher glycaemic response among Asians compared to Caucasians after consuming similar amounts of carbohydrates.

While it is normal for blood glucose levels to rise after eating, insulin helps to regulate blood glucose levels. However, those with diabetes experience dangerously high levels of blood glucose due to insufficient or deficient insulin.

As Malaysia has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Asia, it is imperative to look even more deeply into the interconnected web of genetics, culture, lifestyle and diet that influence the development of diabetes in Malaysia.

Towards that end, the Seremban Diabetes (SeDia) Cohort is Malaysia’s first longitudinal study on diabetes, which aims to provide important insights and yield data that is more relevant to the local population, explained Prof Lokman, who is also Principal Investigator of the SeDia Cohort. In time, data collected from thousands of diagnosed diabetes patients as well as their family members will reveal greater insights and help to improve guidelines for treating and managing diabetes, while shaping more targeted public health policies.

In the meantime, Malaysians would do well to make some changes in their dietary habits to better manage the effect of a carbohydrate-heavy culture.

There is promising evidence that small changes to the sequence and timing of eating carbohydrates can help to manage the subsequent glycaemic response, said Professor Dr Christiani Jeyakumar Henry, Senior Advisor, Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) at A*STAR, who offers the following advice:

● Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. In simple terms, have a hearty breakfast and an early, low-carbohydrate dinner to better manage blood sugar levels throughout the day. 7, 8
● Save the carbs for later. Eating some vegetables and protein before carbohydrates can help regulate the body’s glycaemic response. Similarly, amino acids found in chicken essence, consumed 30 minutes before a carbohydrate-rich meal, have a similar effect.
● Take your time. Small mouthfuls have a big impact on blood sugar levels. Instead of loading your spoon, try using chopsticks instead.

Lastly, advocates for a healthier approach to food recommend a paradigm shift to address the habit of overconsumption that is common in many cultures in order to appreciate food for its therapeutic and preventative value, which is particularly relevant for diabetes care and management.

********************
References:

1 National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019: Key Findings. Accessed 31 January 2024 from https://iku.gov.my/images/IKU/Document/REPORT/NHMS2019/Infographic_Booklet_NHMS_2019-English.pdf
2 Akhtar S, Nasir JA, Ali A, Asghar M, Majeed R, Sarwar A (2022) Prevalence of type-2 diabetes and prediabetes in Malaysia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 17(1): e0263139. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263139. Accessed 31 January 2024 from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0263139
3 National Diabetes Registry Report 2013-2019. Accessed 31 January 2024 from https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/Rujukan/NCD/Diabetes/National_Diabetes_Registry_Report_2013-2019_26082021.pdf
4 World Health Organization. Health Topics: Diabetes. Accessed 31 January 2024 from https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes#tab=tab_1
5 News-Medical.Net. Global burden of diabetes: new study reveals alarming prevalence and projections for 2050. Accessed 31 January 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230718/Global-burden-of-diabetes-new-study-reveals-alarming-prevalence-and-projections-for-2050.aspx
6 World Health Organization. Fact sheets: Diabetes. Accessed 31 January 2024 from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

7 A*Star Research. You are when you eat. Accessed 31 January 2024 from https://research.a-star.edu.sg/articles/highlights/you-are-when-you-eat/.
8 A*Star Research. Getting the right food at the right time. Accessed 31 January 2024 from https://research.a-star.edu.sg/articles/features/getting-the-right-food-at-the-right-time/

Tags: , ,

Category: MJN enews

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to HCA for exclusive updates

Top Viewed News

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

Now that the world has returned to normalcy following the pandemic, everyone is back to their daily routines and encounters with stress... Read More

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

As we strive to be the hospital of choice, why not refine our commitment to excellence beyond the pivotal mission of saving lives?... Read More

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Malaysian researchers at Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) and the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) have published... Read More

 Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and thus subjective; but in some countries, the ideal of beauty begins... Read More

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

In moments of illness, the presence of loved ones can comfort and support. However, it’s important for visitors... Read More

Free counters!

2025 – 2026 Exhibitions



2025 Events


9-11 July
Medical Device Development (MEDIX) – Osaka
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.manufacturing-world.jp


14-16 July
Lab Asia
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia
www.lab-asia.com


16-18 July
Medlab Asia | Asia Health
Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur
www.medlabasia.com


24 July
Medlab Asia | Asia Health
Singapore
www.conversationaltechsummitasia.com


13-15 August
Philippines Medical
SMX Convention Center Manila Philippines
www.philmedical.com


21-23 August
REHACARE China
Suzhou, China
www.rehacare-c.com


21-23 August
Medical Fair China
Suzhou, China
www.medicalfair.cn


3-5 September
Thailand Lab International
BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
www.thailandlab.com


3-5 September
Bio Ap International
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioapinter.com


9-12 September
China Dental Show
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
www.chinadentalshow.com


10-11 September
Hospital Management Asia
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.hospitalmanagementasia.com


10-12 September
Medical Fair Thailand
BITEC, Bangkok
www.medicalfair-thailand.com


10-12 September
GITEX Digi Health & Biotech Thailand
BITEC, Bangkok
www.www.gitexdigihealth.com


11-13 September
Bio Asia Pacific
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioasiapacific.com


16-18 September
OSH India
Hall-6, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E)
www.oshindia.com


24-26 September
Medtec China
Shanghai, China
www.en.medtecchina.com


7-9 October
Malaysia Pharma and Healthcare Expo
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.mphcexpo.com


9-11 October
Medical Japan Tokyo
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.medical-jpn.jp


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


29-30 October
United Medical Expo
Astana, Kazakhstan
www.umtexpo.com


7-8 November
Eldercare Exhibition and Conference Asia (ELDEX Asia)
Suntex Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre
www.eldexasia.com


10-12 November
Saudi International Pharma Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudipharmaexpo.com


10-12 November
Saudi International MedLab Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudimedlabexpo.com


27-29 November
International Wellness Expo (IWE 2025)
METIC, Malaysia
www.internationalwellnessexpo.com


27-29 November
Vietnam Medi-Pharm
Friendship Cultural Palace , Hanoi
www.vietnammedipharm.vn


2026 Events


9-12 Febuary
Arab Health
Dubai World Trade Centre
www.arabhealthonline.com


15-17 April
Lab Indonesia
Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
www.lab-indo.com


28-30 April
SEACare
MITEC, KL
wwww.ea-healthcare.com


6-7 May
HealthTechX Asia
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
www.healthtechx-asia.com


4-6 June
International Health Industry Expo
China
www.ihe-china.com


16-18 June
CPhI China
SNIEC, Shanghai, China
www.cphi.com


25-27 June
Medical Taiwan
Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taipei, Taiwan
www.medicaltaiwan.com.tw


9-11 September
Medical Fair Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medicalfair-asia.com


9-11 September
Medical Manufacturing Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medmanufacturing-asia.com


1-2 October
GITEX Vietnam
Hanoi
www.gitexasia.com