THE UNSWEETENED TRUTH

In conjunction with World Diabetes Day, Dr Malathi Karupiah, consultant endocrinologist at Prince Court Medical Centre talks about the disease, offering advice for actionable change

- Kiran Pillay

Diabetes is projected to afflict 7 million Malaysian adults aged 18 and older by 2025, according to a recent study on the prevalence of type-2 diabetes and prediabetes in Malaysia. The increasing trend comes from a range of causes, including rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity and an ageing population. A World Obesity Federation report predicts 41 per cent of the nation’s adults will be obese by 2035.

In 2023, the Malaysian Ministry of Health launched a Sugar Advocacy Plan to combat excessive sugar consumption and reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes. Earlier this year, the ministry launched the “Kurang Manis” campaign in Putrajaya to promote healthier drinking habits. Reception was tepid, reflecting a broader cultural resistance to change. In 2025, Malaysia will raise duties on sugar-sweetened beverages by 40 sen per litre. Under Budget 2025, The Health Ministry’s allocation is second highest at RM45.3 billion, putting into perspective the economic burden of safeguarding national well-being.

Dr Malathi Karupiah, consultant endocrinologist at Prince Court Medical Centre, acknowledges these governmental efforts. “It’s not easy to get everyone on the same page to understand how bad diabetes is. Hopefully, the tax price will help people think twice.” Food addiction has strong ties to type-2 diabetes, “so, the challenge becomes about trying to get people to overcome addiction,” Karupiah says, comparing the difficulty on par to halting alcoholism and smoking.