New survey reveals how Malaysians manage diabetes in diverse ways
Image credit: Abbott
A new survey conducted by YouGov, a global public opinion and data company, and commissioned by global healthcare company Abbott, has found that while most Malaysians living with diabetes regularly monitor their glucose levels, significant gaps remain in understanding long-term diabetes control. Nine in ten respondents said they check their glucose routinely, yet nearly 40% could not recall their HbA1c levels, a key indicator of average blood sugar control over three months.
The report surveyed a mix of people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, aged 18 and above, who participated in a 10-minute online survey in 2025.
The findings show that frequent self-testing often builds confidence, even when knowledge is incomplete. About 77% of regular testers who were unsure about their glucose status still believed they were managing their diabetes well. Many respondents continue to rely on finger-prick tests, which provide only a single reading at one moment in time and do not show glucose trends, creating a misplaced sense of control.
According to Sven Seyffert, divisional Vice President of Abbott’s diabetes care business in Asia Pacific, glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day and are influenced by individual factors, making tools that track trends in real time especially valuable for people with frequent fluctuations.
Long-term control is challenging
The survey examined awareness of diet, physical activity, medication use, and monitoring at a time when only about 35% of Malaysians with diabetes meet the Ministry of Health’s HbA1c target of 6.5% or lower. Respondents were asked about daily management habits, perceived ease of control, and where they seek information about living with diabetes.
Diet awareness and management
Most respondents showed strong awareness of how food affects glucose levels. About 85% understood the impact of diet, and 61% recognized the role of regular monitoring, regardless of HbA1c levels. Half reported reducing carbohydrate intake after diagnosis, and nearly 90% turned to social media for dietary advice. However, maintaining diet can be a struggle during festive seasons. About 78%found diabetes management easier during non-festive periods, compared with only 39% during festive times, particularly among those using insulin injections.
Dr. Chan Siew Pheng, Emeritus Professor of endocrine medicine at the University of Malaya, said food factors significantly in glucose variability and that pairing dietary awareness with continuous glucose monitoring can help people better understand how their bodies respond to different foods and daily activities.
Compliance to medication is strong but activity levels low
Medication adherence was relatively high, with seven in ten respondents taking their medicines exactly as prescribed. Physical activity, however, was found to be limited. Only one in five exercised very regularly, and nearly 80% reported exercising less than 150 minutes per week, mirroring national data that show high levels of sedentary behavior.
Healthcare professionals as trusted information sources
Healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source of diabetes information, with 76% of respondents relying on doctors, dieticians, and nurses, and dieticians ranking just after doctors. The survey also found that emotional experiences influence how people seek information. Nearly 80% said they felt accepted and supported by others, a factor linked to lower self-blame and a more constructive approach to managing the condition.
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