Doc: Get screened for diabetes – The Star Online

PETALING JAYA: Those who are at risk of getting diabetes should come forward and get themselves screened for this condition, even during the pandemic.

Consultant physician and endocrinologist Datuk Dr Zanariah Hussein said: “One in five adults are diabetic, and for those who are above 60 years old, it is one in three.

“Those who are diabetic are at risk of facing more severe complications if they test positive for Covid-19.

“For Covid-19 patients who are also diabetic, some of them have severe complications whereby they have to be put under intensive care or use a respiratory ventilator.

“In fact, we have some Covid-19 patients who were newly diagnosed with diabetes during screening; some of them were overweight or obese and shockingly, some were just barely 30 years old,” she said in a panel discussion during the World Diabetes Day 2021 virtual media forum yesterday.

“The public should be aware that they can prevent diabetes if it is diagnosed earlier.

“The public need to realise that if they are diagnosed earlier, they can decide to make a lifestyle change, get some weight off and their blood sugar level might revert to normal,” said Dr Zanariah.

Consultant psychologist Dr Hariyati Shahrima Abdul Majid said the importance of mental health should be given attention while a patient or family member is combating the disease.

“Conversations on mental health and behavioural health must start taking place and those who take good care of their health should be rewarded at their workplaces,” she said.

Health Ministry non-communicable diseases (NCD) deputy director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said a multi-stakeholder collaboration is important when it comes to raising awareness on diabetes.

“A multi-stakeholder collaboration is vital to create a health-promoting living environment in Malaysia to reduce the risk of NCDs among Malaysians, particularly among at-risk populations.

“We are working to leverage digital health in catalysing behavioural modification to reduce the exposure of at-risk populations to NCD risk factors.

“Due to the pandemic, teleconsultation is now available for chronic patients,” he said.

Dr Feisul added that diabetes monitoring devices should be made accessible and available to the lower income group.

“It will definitely benefit patients who want to change their behaviour, especially the most vulnerable groups.

“Providing patients with tools is another important way for them to self-monitor their progress.

“However, the patient has to make behavioural changes and make good use of the resources available,” he said.

World Diabetes Day is an annual global awareness campaign initiated in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/11/12/doc-get-screened-for-diabetes