Whether you’re living with diabetes, know someone who is, or simply want to know more about the disease, we set the record straight and keep you informed.
Living with diabetes is no easy feat. This chronic condition affects more than just daily routines; it impacts the overall quality of life. Diabetes is really a bad disease to have as it can lead to serious health problems. Beyond impairing the body’s ability to process blood sugar, diabetes can silently cause damage to vital organs and systems if not properly managed.
In speaking about the biggest myths about diabetes, Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) consultant cardiologist Datuk Dr Rosli Mohd Ali says, “It’s not true that taking too much sugar will cause diabetes. But with excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars will increase the risk of obesity which is associated with diabetes. There are also multiple other factors that lead to diabetes, genetic and hereditary being one of them.”
Diabetes is more than just monitoring blood sugar levels, meal planning and adhering to strict medication schedules. Misinformation about diabetes may fuel unnecessary fear and confusion.
According to the National Institutes of Health 2023, in Malaysia alone, 15.6 per cent (or one in six) of adults have diabetes. Additionally, there’s a worrying prevalence of diabetes patients experiencing heart attack (Acute Coronary Syndrome). According to the Malaysian NCVD-ACS database from 2020-2021, there is a staggering 43.9 per cent of patients presenting with heart attack has diabetes.
“Diabetes is a condition characterised by persistently elevated blood sugar levels, affecting the entire body, including multiple organs and the nervous system,” Dr Rosli explains, adding that there are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces inadequate insulin, a hormone crucial for transporting glucose from the bloodstream into tissues. Although it typically affects younger individuals, it can also occur in older age groups. Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are often more pronounced, including frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss and hunger.
- Type 2 Diabetes is a more common form of diabetes marked by insulin resistance, where the body produces insulin, but it is not effective in transporting glucose into tissues. Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can be subtle, and many individuals may not realise they have the condition. Common symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, skin infection, frequent urination and excessive thirst.
In Malaysia, a significant number of people with diabetes are unaware of their condition. Alarmingly, 30 per cent of patients discover they have diabetes only after experiencing a heart attack. This highlights the critical need for awareness and early detection.
In recent years, our understanding of diabetes has evolved significantly. Previously considered a standalone disease, we now recognise its intricate connections with various organs, leading to what is known as Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome. This serious health issue arises from the interplay between obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and heart-related conditions,” Dr Rosli reveals.
“CKM syndrome encompasses a range of heart-related diseases, including heart failure, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, strokes and blocked arteries in the limbs. These conditions profoundly impact the lives of individuals and their families. Hence, it’s crucial to address these conditions and develop strategies to improve CKM health to prevent complications so that the quality of life and survival would be much better,” he adds.
Diagnosis of Diabetes is when there is an elevated glucose level. A Fasting Glucose Test measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast. An elevated result will need further investigation. A haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, which provides average blood glucose level over the past three months is another test that can be used to diagnose diabetes.
“If the diagnosis is uncertain, we can perform a Glucose Tolerance Test, which involves a series of blood tests. Initially, the patient fasts and then consumes a glucose load. Blood samples are taken at intervals before, one hour and two hours after consuming glucose.
Can diabetes be treated? Yes, Dr Rosli says.
“The landscape of diabetes treatment has seen remarkable advancements, moving beyond merely reducing glucose levels to offering additional health benefits,” he advises. The latest medical innovations in monitoring diabetes include:
- Sodium-Glucose Transport Protein 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: These medications not only lower glucose levels but also provide significant protection for the heart and kidneys.
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists: This innovative medication helps reduce weight by curbing appetite, improves insulin sensitivity and combats obesity. Additionally, GLP-1 agonists have a positive impact on heart health, with studies showing survival benefits for diabetes patients using this treatment.
These advanced types of medication benefit patients in a way that they offer additional health benefits beyond just glucose reduction. At the same time, we need to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. This holistic approach to diabetes management marks a significant step forward in improving patient outcomes and overall well-being.
Of course, managing diabetes is not dependent on medication alone. Dr Rosli stresses that some lifestyle changes will have to be made and embracing these changes is paramount in the journey towards better health. “Have a balanced diet and eat enough vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Cut down on refined carbohydrates as they cause rapid glucose absorption, making blood sugar levels difficult to control. Opt for complex carbohydrates like starchy vegetables (corn/sweet potato), oats, wholegrain and legumes which are absorbed more gradually and steadily.”
“The longer diabetes remains uncontrolled, the higher the risk of developing complications which can significantly impact your survival and quality of life. While managing diabetes can be challenging, early intervention and consistent management are key and medical science is continually advancing, offering improved treatment options to support diabetes care,” Dr Rosli explains.
“Educate yourself about diabetes and its complications. It is important to make the appropriate lifestyle changes: incorporating medications, scheduling regular check-ups and achieving health targets. Remember, you have the power to make a change,” he says on a closing note.
This disease awareness message is brought to you by Novo Nordisk Malaysia. The content provided in this article is for informational purpose only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any medical inquiries, or emergency, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.