MALAYSIANS find healthy eating to be challenging and even expensive.
A recent survey by Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) carried out by cilisos.my, revealed that while 80 per cent of respondents were worried about developing diabetes, factors such as lack of time and long working hours were hindrances to healthy eating.
Respondents in general also perceived healthy food as expensive and inaccessible, with 47 per cent viewing healthy food as "T201 food" and 59 per cent saying such food couldn't easily be found at local restaurants and eateries.
Economic factors and the assumption that healthy food is expensive were cited as the biggest hindrances to healthy eating, followed by a lack of time due to individual circumstances and work.
On the upside, peer pressure could be key to making Malaysians more mindful of their health. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents said they would cut their sugar intake together with their partner or significant other if he or she decided to take up a no-sugar diet.
More encouragingly, 56 per cent said they would start taking exercise and workouts seriously if their colleagues visited the gym daily after work.
The nationwide survey was initiated by SHG in conjunction with its KNOW Diabetes campaign and aims to gain insight into restricting the rising prevalence of this major noncommunicable disease.
Based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, 1 in 6 adults in Malaysia have diabetes, while 2 in 5 adults are unaware that they even have the condition.
Launched in conjunction with World Diabetes Day 2024, KNOW Diabetes and its "Prevention is Power" message looks to reach out to communities, raise awareness and educate Malaysians on the impact of the disease.
The campaign focuses primarily on food education, and how simple dietary adjustments with an emphasis on nutritious food significantly reduces the risk of diabetes.
SHG president Datuk Lau Beng Long says diabetes and its complications have not only affected thousands of Malaysians and severely impacted their health, quality of life and relationships, but also poses a significant burden on public health and socioeconomic development.
"We believe that information and knowledge are key to preventing more individuals falling victim to this disease, which is why KNOW Diabetes and our 'Prevention is Power' message sets out to educate the public on one of its primary factors - the food we eat and how it can greatly increase or reduce the risks of developing diabetes."
The month-long campaign, until Nov 30, aligns with the World Health Organisation's overarching theme, which not only centres on individual health but the importance of communities working together to combat diabetes.
KNOW Diabetes comes at a time when statistics show an alarming rise in the disease.
In Malaysia, in addition to our already high diabetes rates, it's estimated that seven million adults aged 18 and older will be either prediabetic or diabetic by next year.