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Diabetes Becoming More And More Prevalent In Malaysia

Diabetes Becoming More And More Prevalent In Malaysia

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The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS 2019) has found that one in five adults in Malaysia suffers from diabetes. That’s 3.9 million people aged 18 years old and above.

Presenting the findings at the Health Ministry yesterday (29 May), Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said that diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent in the country.

The rate of diabetes has increased to 18.3% in 2019, compared to just 13.4% in 2015, with Negri Sembilan, Perlis, and Pahang recording the highest number of cases.

The rise in the number of diabetes cases in Malaysia is among the worrying findings in the NHMS 2019. About 49% of diabetics in Malaysia have never been screened or diagnosed with the disease.

Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba via Malay Mail

According to Dr Adham, the survey revealed that one in four Malaysian adults aged 16 years old and above are not physically active, and about 50% of adults are overweight.

Watch out for these common symptoms of diabetes. (Credit: Accu-Chek Malaysia)

On top of that, 95% of Malaysian adults don’t even consume the recommended daily amount of vegetables and fruit.

We want a healthy Malaysia.

Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba via Malay Mail

Dr Adham said the survey also found that about half a million Malaysians suffered from depression, with most cases recorded in Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, and Perlis.

He added that about 424,000 children were found to have a mental illness, noting that these appeared to be mainly caused by interaction issues with their peers, as well as behavioural, emotional and hyperactive-related issues.

Addressing these various issues, the Health Minister encouraged Malaysians to practice a healthy lifestyle, advising them to be more responsible and concerned about their own health.


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