3.6m Malaysians have diabetes, 1.8m probably not aware they have it

KUALA LUMPUR: Diabetes cases are on the rise in the country, with 3.6 million Malaysians out of a population of 32 million suffering from the non-communicable disease.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said that about another 1.8 million Malaysians might have the disease, but were unaware they have it because they have never had a health screening.
With regular screening, diabetes can be detected at the early stages and optimum treatment given, he said in a statement in conjunction with World Diabetes Day 2017, today.
"This will reduce risks attributed to diabetes and allow patients to lead normal lives," he noted.
He said with increased awareness by the public, the risks and the importance of health screening, it was hoped that Malaysians' behaviour on prevention and control of the disease would change.
"This will lead to a reduced risk of premature death as a result of diabetes complications," he said. — Bernama