DEPUTY Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said a survey conducted in November 2015 showed that 17.5 per cent of the population had diabetes and only 9.4 per cent were unaware of their condition.
This is not updated information. According to the National Diabetes Institute (Nadi), Malaysia has the highest rate of diabetes in Asia and one of the highest in the world.
Its executive chairman, Datuk Dr Mustaffa Embong, told a news portal in July that there were 2.5 million adults with diabetes in Malaysia.
We need to be more aware of the facts. Diabetes has no outward symptoms and can damage the nerves and capillaries of our organs, leading to kidney failure, blindness, stroke and heart attack.
Dr Lee said the complications could be avoided with medication, healthy lifestyle and good diet.
It is important that people are aware of their condition and can lead normal lives by taking the right steps.
Many who are not aware that they are diabetic may be from rural areas and the Bottom 40 group.
State health departments can despatch mobile clinics to villages to screen people for diabetes.
The mobile clinics can also provide counselling on the treatment and medication for those with diabetes.
THOMAS FOO
Subang Jaya, Selangor