DIABETES Penang will hold its inaugural D2M (Designed to Move) Charity Run at the Penang Municipal Park (popularly known as Youth Park) on June 23 at 7am.
Dr Dicky Ng Teik Kee, president of the Diabetes Penang, said they aim to raise RM100,000 from the 5km event to purchase a crucial diabetes eye screening machine, vital for early detection and intervention in diabetic retinopathy.
He expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors and volunteers for the forthcoming event, emphasising that everyone can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals managing diabetes and empower the community with the resources needed for a healthier future.
“We are excited to launch the D2M Charity Run as a proactive step in our mission to enhance diabetes care in Penang,” Dr Ng said during his speech.
“By acquiring a diabetes eye screening machine, we aim to provide accessible and timely screenings to individuals at risk, enabling early detection of diabetic retinopathy and facilitating prompt interventions to preserve vision.”
State Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi encouraged everyone to participate in the run for a noble cause.
Gooi said: “What does D2M stand for, you may ask? It stands for Designed To Move, and it is exactly what we humans were made to do.
“Every movement we make helps to keep diabetes at bay, and by encouraging each other to lead healthy lifestyles, we can help fight this modern plague that affects over 20% of Malaysian adults.
“Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions in Malaysia alone, with its complications often proving devastating. One of the most serious complications is diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness if not detected and treated early.
“Regular eye screenings are crucial in managing this risk, but unfortunately, many patients do not have access to the necessary diagnostic tools. This is where our collective effort today becomes so vital,” Gooi said in his speech.
Penang Adventist Hospital chief executive officer Albin Phua, who was also present at the press conference, recommended that the public embrace a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent noncommunicable diseases, diabetes being one of them.
“Statistics reveal that one in five individuals in Malaysia has diabetes, equating to about 3.9 million people aged 18 and above.
“Yet, the awareness and knowledge of this disease are still relatively low within our community. Therefore, we have much to do in terms of educating our community and raising health awareness regarding this condition,” Phua said.
Also present are Datuk Dr William Teh, charter president of Lions Club of Penang Komtar; Lai Teik Kin, chief executive officer of EyRIS Pte Ltd; and Farah Rozaini and Vivian Yeap, representatives of Platinum Sponsor,
The entry fees for the run are RM45 for adults and RM35 for students.
Each participant will get a medal, a string bag filled with goodies, and a D2M event T-shirt upon registration.
Those who are interested in joining the D2M Charity Run can log onto Diabetes Malaysia, Penang Branch official Facebook for more information.
Story by Nurul Hawa Farahin Hameddy
Pix by Siew Chia En