PETALING JAYA: Detecting the early warning signs of pre-diabetes is crucial in preventing the onset of diabetes among Malaysians, say public health experts.
Health awareness: A patient looking at the chart of a diabetic diagram at a clinic in Kuala Lumpur. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The StarPublic health expert, Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, said that early detection of these warning signs enables a pre-diabetic person to manage their condition, including the possibility of reversing Type 2 diabetes.
“Type 2 diabetes can develop among the young and is gradual. The symptoms may be mild and easy to dismiss at first,” she said when contacted yesterday.
Among the early symptoms, she said, are constant hunger, lack of energy or fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and pain, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
Dr Sharifa, who is with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), noted that Type 2 diabetes accounts for almost 90% of total cases globally.
She advocated food and sugar labelling, as this would lead to better food and nutrient literacy among Malaysians.
“It will help people watch their diet, calorie intake and exercise needed to burn it,” she added.
There are two main types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. It is not preventable and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, often with a family history of the condition. People with Type 1 diabetes require daily insulin to survive.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, occurs when the body still produces insulin but does not use it effectively. This is the most common type of diabetes and is linked to lifestyle factors. It can often be managed or even prevented through lifestyle changes.
Pre-diabetes refers to a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.
Public Health Medicine Specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said healthier lifestyle changes, including healthier food choices, could help prevent or reverse Type 2 diabetes.
“It is the most common type and heavily linked to lifestyle factors. If properly managed, this type of diabetes can be reversed (into remission) through weight loss, a healthy diet, regular exercise and sometimes medication.
“A healthy lifestyle is the most powerful tool for preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes,” he said when contacted.
The former Health Ministry director noted that many people have pre-diabetes but are unaware of the risks of developing Type 2 diabetes.
“Prediabetes is a critical warning sign. It is highly reversible through the same lifestyle changes. This includes losing a modest amount of weight, eating healthier and increasing physical activity.
“Catching it at this stage can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes,” he added.