Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said early detection not only helps prevent diseases from progressing but also spares individuals from the financial burden and high treatment costs associated with advanced-stage illnesses such as cancer.

“Most patients are taken aback when they learn that their cancer has reached stages three or four, which reduces their chances of full recovery and being cancer-free,” he said.

“Imagine if a family member had a chronic disease. The whole family would also feel the impact financially, as treatment for such illnesses can be very costly,” he told reporters after officiating the Bald and Beautiful Day 2025 programme here today.

He added that breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers were among the diseases most commonly detected through health screenings.

Dzulkefly said the large-scale health screening programme, conducted in collaboration with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), was one of the ministry’s initiatives to encourage the public to go for early health screenings.

He said the MOH was also implementing the National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI), targeting more than one million people nationwide to go to hospitals or clinics for early detection tests.

Dzulkefly said the ministry would also intensify awareness programmes to raise public awareness that chronic diseases, including cancer, can be cured if detected early.

“I want to stress that screening is very important, and the ministry has carried out many NHSI programmes, which are also a key focus under the ‘Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat’,” he said.

The Bald and Beautiful Day 2025 programme, held at the Elmina Lakeside Mall Sales Gallery, was an initiative by various NGOs and cancer-related foundations to raise funds.

Dzulkefly was among 267 of the 4,000 participants at the programme who showed their support for cancer patients by voluntarily shaving their heads.

By Dr Alex Teo, Director, Research Development and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife

Diabetes is on the rise ¹ in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the region is expected to become the largest contributor to the global economic burden of diabetes by 2030. Obesity is a major but potentially modifiable risk factor²  for type 2 diabetes. Excessive weight gain can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, triggering a domino effect that leads to insulin resistance — where the body no longer responds effectively to insulin — resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.

In APAC, this risk is heightened by rapidly urbanizing lifestyles that are busy, stressful, and sedentary. Long work hours and the easy availability of fast food often culminate in unhealthy stress eating, with snacks and “sweet treats” frequently viewed as quick, comforting solutions to de-stress. Furthermore, this region is seeing an increase³  in overweight children. Obesity at an early age sets the stage for lifelong health challenges, including type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.

It is also important to note that some people can appear to be of normal weight yet carry excess body fat, a condition known as “TOFI” (thin outside, fat inside)⁴ . This is particularly common among Asians and individuals who consume insufficient protein and lead sedentary lifestyles. Type 2 diabetes can be asymptomatic in early stages, meaning individuals may have elevated blood sugar levels without noticeable symptoms.

Addressing “diabesity” — the co-occurrence of diabetes and obesity in an individual — starts with tackling some of the root causes like poor diet and inactivity before they lead to more serious health issues. By making small, mindful choices every day to achieve modest weight loss, individuals can significantly improve their insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Eat smart: How small diet tweaks help

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.

High-glycemic foods, like white bread and sugary snacks, cause rapid blood sugar spikes that can lead to insulin resistance over time. Reducing sugary drinks like bubble tea can help lower excess sugar intake and improve blood sugar control.

For example, tapioca pearls in the popular bubble teas add calories and raise its glycemic index (GI), contributing to obesity, worsening diabetes, and poor blood pressure control. Healthy alternatives such as whole grains, alongside fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, stabilize blood sugar by slowing sugar absorption while also enhancing satiety and supporting digestion.

By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods while minimizing processed items, individuals can better manage diabetes and strengthen their overall well-being and metabolic function.

Supporting diet with these 3 important supplements

Protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium are key nutrients that support weight management and metabolic health, particularly for those at risk of type 2 diabetes.

1. Protein helps control appetite by increasing satiety and boosting metabolism, requiring more energy to digest, and burning more calories.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fishlike salmon, reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases.

3. Magnesium supports insulin function and glucose metabolism, enhancing insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management, while also maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting muscle function, making it easier to stay active and manage weight.

Adopting healthier lifestyles

Lifestyle choices are equally critical in managing and preventing type 2 diabetes. Regular physical activity, such as 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, helps regulate weight gain and improves insulin sensitivity, both key factors in diabetes prevention and management. If finding time for exercise during a busy workday is challenging, simple alternatives like desk yoga or taking short walks before and after meals can still have a significant impact on stabilizing blood sugar levels. This not only strengthens the body but also contributes to overall well-being, enhancing energy levels and supporting long-term health goals.

Poor sleep and chronic stress can disrupt metabolic functions and increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Prioritizing rest and stress management is vital to maintaining a healthy balance. Practical stress-reduction techniques like meditation and deep-breathing exercises can regulate stress hormones. These methods promote healthier metabolic outcomes and can support overall well-being.

Managing your health can feel daunting amidst the demands of a busy lifestyle. However, simple, and consistent adjustments to daily habits, combined with preventive care and early detection are some of the key factors to bring about better outcomes in diabetes prevention.

Sources:
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168822723004813#bb0010:~:text=Diabetes%20is%20prevalent%20and%20has%20high%20morbidity%20and%20mortality%20rates%20in%20the%20Asia%2DPacific%20(APAC)%20region.

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2579635/#:~:text=Obesity%20is%20the%20major%20potentially%20modifiable%20risk%20factor%20for%20type%202%20diabetes.1%20Intervention%20studies%20in%20which%20modest%20weight%20loss%20has%20been%20achieved%20by%20lifestyle%20interventions%20in%20overweight%20subjects%20with%20impaired%20glucose%20tolerance

3. https://www.unicef.org/eap/blog/child-obesity-crisis

4. https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/if-you-think-that-thin-people-dont-get-diabetes-think-again

By Professor Dr Tan Maw Pin, consultant geriatrician, President of the Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine (MSGM) and member of Malaysian Influenza Working Group (MIWG), Dr Aslannif Roslan, Internal Medicine Specialist and Cardiologist from Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), and Associate Professor Dr Lim Lee Ling, Head of the Diabetes Care Unit and Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, University of Malaya Medical Centre.

The risk of developing severe disease is higher in the presence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or chronic lung disease. Too, advancing age makes us a person more susceptible to infectious diseases.

This was an important observation made during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.Similar to Covid-19, older persons are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza, also known as the flu.

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