1.6 MILLION MALAYSIAN ADULTS MAY HAVE DIABETES

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- It is estimated that one out of eight
Malaysians aged 30 years and above has diabetes, which amounts to over 1.6
million adults, based on the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey 2006.

Director-General of Health Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the prevalence
of diabetes also showed a drastic increase of 80 per cent over a period of
just 10 years, from 8.3 per cent in 1996 to 14.9 per cent in 2006 for the same
age group.

Even more worrying, he said, was that one third of those who had diabetes
were undiagnosed, and were not aware of their condition.

This was very dangerous because if not detected early they would face
serious complications like stroke, amputations, blindness, heart disease and
kidney failure, he told reporters after launching the fourth edition of the
Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus, at the Putrajaya Hospital here today.

Dr Mohd Ismail urged those 30 years and above to undergo screening to ensure
that they do not have the disease, and if they do, to start on the medication to
avoid worse complications.

He also urged those bodies involved in diabetes such as the National
Diabetes Institute (Nadi), Malaysian Diabetes Association (PDM) and Malaysian
Endocrine and Metabolic Society (MEMS) to work together to create awareness
among the people about the disease.

On the guidelines, he said they were developed to provide a clear and
concise approach to all health care providers on the current practice in the
management of such type of diabetes.
-- BERNAMA