THE number of people with diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980.
Prevalence is increasing worldwide, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
“The causes are complex, but the rise is due in part to increases in the number of people who are overweight, including an increase in obesity, and in a widespread lack of physical activity,” assembly member for Kebun Bunga, Jason Ong Khan Lee said when he officiated the World Diabetes Day 2018 function held at Youth Park Amphitheater on Dec 9.
The function was jointly organised by Penang Adventist Hospital, Diabetes Malaysia Penang Branch, Nestle Health Science and supported by Penang Island City Council.
Ong expressed his gratitude to all organisers who have come forward working together for this Diabetes Day Event in bringing awareness to families in the community, to educate the importance of diabetes and how to live healthily with diabetes.
“Together with your family members, enjoy the education booths available, complimentary health screening and exercises to learn better ways to overcome diabetes and stay healthy,” Ong who represented exco member for Agriculture, Agro Industry, Rural Development and Health, Dr Afif Bahardin at the event commented.
Also present were chief operating officer of Penang Adventist Hospital, Dr Thomas Tean, chairman Diabetes Malaysia, Penang Branch, Dr Dicky Ng, area sales manager Nestle Health Science, Lee Ling, it’s Cluster Head (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia) Maria Rica Mier and director of communication services, MBPP Rashidah Jalaludin.
Meanwhile, chief operating officer Penang Adventist Hospital, Thomas Tean said over 425 million people are currently living with diabetes, mostly type 2 diabetes (non-hereditary), which is preventable through healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use.
“Therefore, the theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day – ‘The Family and Diabetes,’ is to raise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on family and support network of those affected,” he added.
Story and pix by Danny Ooi