‘Being diabetic not the end of the world’

MIRI: Being diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t mean it is the end of the world as making the effort to have a balanced diet is the key to long life.

Goh Kui Dea, 76, was initially devastated when she was diagnosed as diabetic nearly four decades ago, not knowing what life had in store for her.

“I did not know how to deal with this. Does being diabetic mean I have to keep away from everything like meat, fish and sugary food and just maintain a plain, tasteless diet of vegetables?” asked Goh.

However, an introduction to Diabetes Malaysia Miri branch, formerly known as Malaysian Diabetes Association

I was introduced to a whole new meaning of balanced diet. I can still eat meat, fish, rice, etc., but at controlled amount; and today, I am still here, enjoying an active life with family.

( Miri branch), shed light on many of her confusions and misunderstanding.

“I was introduced to a whole new meaning of balanced diet. I can still eat meat, fish, rice, etc., but at controlled amount; and today, I am still here, enjoying an active life with family,” she said happily.

In Miri alone, based on statistics disclosed by Miri Polyclinic (opposite Meritz Hotel Miri), over 8,000 diabetes patients frequently go for follow-up treatment at the clinic.

“Most of the patients are Type II Diabetes patients who are on drug treatment. The number only comprises patients who are registered and undergoing treatment at Miri Polyclinic, whilst Tudan Polyclinic and Miri Hospital have their own statistics,” said Dr Faizul Mansoor, retired divisional medical officer.

Type II Diabetes, he explained, is a medical condition whereby the body progressively becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and it affects the way the body handles glucose in the blood.

“Most patients with Type II Diabetes are aged 18 to over 50 years and we should be worried that the age of the patients diagnosed with this disease is getting younger and the number of patients (within the age range) is rising drastically.”

The former director of Miri Hospital, who is the current advisor for Diabetes Malaysia Miri branch, commented that the rising number has to do with family education.

“To be honest, the government and NGOs like Diabetes Malaysia have done enough to educate society.

“There are several roadshows organised by various NGOs to raise awareness of this health issue, but sadly the number is still going up rather than down. The real problem is that parents and guardians did not see that as a problem. Education has to start from home, instead of leaving it to the government to tackle the issue,” he said.

Over- eating, consuming too much of sugary food, he added, leads to high blood sugar.

“Many had misunderstood the correlation of diet and exercise. They thought that as long as they exercise, they would be able to burn off all the calories. The truth is, it isn’t. The body is only able to absorb certain amount of nutrients from the food we put into our body. Excessive amount would be turned into fat and stored in our body. Therefore, it is best to practise the habit of eating moderately.

“Those who prefer to follow their appetite rather than listen to their body, it is only matter of time they become diabetic. As for diabetic patients, if they do not take care of their diet, their condition will become worse, with kidney problem.”

Before his retirement in 2014, Dr Faizul was involved in Diabetes Malaysia in various positions for 21 years.

“The work of volunteers is never- ending. Though Diabetes Malaysia has several activities annually, there are still people who do not know about diabetes and its danger. It is our mission to reach out to these people and educate them,” he said.

Goh Kui Dea, a diabetic