Going forward
Medical attention should be sought whenever there are symptoms of increased thirst and frequent passing of urine, especially at night, feeling very tired, weight loss, loss of muscle bulk, itching in the penis or opening to the vagina (vulva), frequent fungal infections (thrush), slow or poor healing of wounds and blurring of vision.
Type 1 diabetes can develop over weeks or even days.
Type 2 diabetes is often associated with overweight, obesity and inactivity. The overweight comprises 37.3% of the Malaysian population and the obese 12.9%. It is estimated that 51.6% of the population are physically inactive (Source: who.int/diabetes/country-profiles/mys_en.pdf?ua=1).
Many people with type 2 diabetes are unaware they have the condition because the early symptoms are often non-specific.
The complications of diabetes are multitude and include an increased risk of heart disease and stroke; damage to nerves; damage to the retina in the eyes; kidney disease and failure; foot ulcer; erectile dysfunction; sexual hypofunction in women; miscarriage and stillbirth.
Due to delayed detection, diabetics are more likely to present for the first time with complications. The increase in the number of diabetics seeking treatment will increase the country’s health expenditure substantially. This will be increased further by diabetic complications.
With about 80% of diabetes patients currently seeking treatment at Health Ministry facilities, the burden to the country will be substantial.
The medical profession recently received directives from the Health Ministry on Ebola virus disease management. This is important for preparedness, although there is no reported case of Ebola infection in Malaysia, as the mortality from Ebola infection is around 50%.
According to the World Health Organization, Malaysia has no operational policy/strategy/action plan for diabetes and reduction of physical inactivity (Source: apps.who.int/gho/data/view. main.2473).
This incongruence is difficult to understand particularly when the diabetes epidemic in the country continues unabated.
Dr Milton Lum was a past President of the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations, Malaysia and the Malaysian Medical Association. The views expressed do not represent that of any organisation the writer is associated with. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.