In a recent survey conducted by Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG), a staggering 80% of Malaysians expressed concerns about developing diabetes. This alarming statistic highlights the growing fear surrounding one of the most pressing public health issues today.
As part of their KNOW Diabetes campaign, SHG initiated a nationwide survey to understand this concerning trend better, aligning their efforts with the World Health Organization’s theme for World Diabetes Day 2024.
Understanding The Struggles
The KNOW Diabetes campaign, from 1 to 30 November, aims to raise awareness and educate communities about diabetes and how lifestyle choices significantly impact health outcomes.
The survey, which gathered insights from over 1,000 respondents, revealed a troubling connection between social anxiety and healthy eating. Many individuals reported feeling pressured to conform to social norms, often leading to unhealthy dietary choices.
Compounding this issue, 47% of respondents consider healthy food to be expensive and inaccessible, with a majority perceiving healthy food as a luxury reserved for the “T20” group.
On the brighter side, the survey also showed that nearly 40% of participants would willingly lower their sugar intake if their significant others decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, 56% indicated that they would prioritise exercising if their colleagues made it a daily routine.
The results suggest that social support could play a pivotal role in encouraging healthier habits, as Malaysians are close-knit and live in a collectivist culture.
Empowering Through Knowledge
Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group, stresses the importance of information in combating diabetes. He stated,
We believe that information and knowledge are key to preventing more individuals from falling victim to this disease, which is why KNOW Diabetes and our ‘Prevention is Power’ message sets out to educate the public on one of its primary factors – the food we eat and how it can greatly increase or reduce the risks of developing diabetes.
Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sinway Healthcare Group
Sunway Health Group is committed to raising awareness and equipping Malaysians with the knowledge needed to make better health choices.
The campaign is centred on practical advice and community involvement, taking place at SHG hospitals and through various media outreach efforts and social media content. One of the highlights is a booth that features a range of interactive activities.
The “String-a-Long” activity emphasises motivation for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while the “Jom Lunch” activity allows participants to create a meal, receive dietary advice, and obtain personalised health tips.
Additionally, a risk calculator is available to help individuals evaluate their likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes over the next five years. This tool aims to empower participants to take proactive steps toward improving their health.
Join The Movement With Sunway Healthcare Group
This November, as the nation comes together to observe World Diabetes Day, it’s vital for everyone to participate in the KNOW Diabetes campaign. Statistics from the Ministry of Health’s National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 highlight an urgent need for action—15.6% of adults are living with diabetes, and 84% of young adults aged 18 to 29 are unaware of their risk.
The survey is a wake-up call for Malaysians to take their health more seriously, but it also shows the power of our community in shaping a healthier lifestyle. Let’s be part of the KNOW Diabetes initiative, where you can not only contribute to the fight against this growing epidemic but also encourage a culture of health and wellness in your community.
For more information, kindly visit Sunway Group’s official website here.
