Efforts will be made to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, agreed healthcare professionals at a media forum organised by the Malaysian chapter of global healthcare company Novo Nordisk, in conjunction with World Diabetes Day. The forum was held together with the Non-Communicable Disease Section of the Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), and included a panel discussion comprising of several prominent healthcare professionals.

Themed “Access to Diabetes Care in A Century of Insulin Discovery,” the forum discussed the local diabetes care landscape and policy; and reflected on the past achievements and present progresses in the prevention and management of diabetes, in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan. The new policies include treatment, homecare, and psychosocial management.

Speaking on the future of diabetes management, Datuk Dr. Zanariah,Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, Head of the Endocrine Unit at Hospital Putrajaya, and Head of the Endocrinology Subspecialty Service at MOH, said, “[…] diabetes treatment and management will see a different set of challenges, especially in a post-pandemic world. From adopting an integrated approach in care, to increasing utilisation of digital technologies in our engagement with patients, we look forward to seeing more developments that enable us to provide better care to people with diabetes.”

“Diabetes is a long-term disease that does not only affect the patient, but also their caregivers. Managing diabetes at home may bring upon psychological impact to both the person with diabetes and their caregivers. Thus, a stronger focus on psychosocial wellbeing is important, and we hope that more mental healthcare professionals can be trained to better support chronic care management in the future,” added Consultant Psychologist Dr. Hariyati, a panelist at the forum.

According to Richard Abela, Vice President and General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Malaysia, the company is committed to drive “public awareness and education initiatives” to encourage healthy living in Malaysia – free from diabetes-related complications.

“When it comes to raising awareness on diabetes, a multi-stakeholder collaboration is important to reduce the risk of NCDs among Malaysians, particularly among at-risk populations,” said Dr. Feisul Idzwan bin Mustapha, Deputy Director (NCDs) at MOH.

“We are also working to leverage digital health in catalysing behavioural modification to reduce the exposure of at-risk populations to NCD risk factors. We will continue to streamline our efforts in developing programmes to educate the public about diabetes prevention, care and management.”

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