The disease is on the rise in Malaysia. It is the single largest cause of amputation, kidney failures and blindness. If nothing is being done, the effect will be catastrophic. This is the worrying trend..
1986 - 6.3% ( adult above 30 years)
1996 - 8.3%
2006 - 20.8%
What is more alarming, about half of the surveyed were not even aware that they have the disease. This result to improper diet and other control measures thus producing further health complication.
The disease may effect another aspect of the country. It is vision 2020, it aspires to become a developed nation by 2021, but with the high rate of the disease, it will not reflect the character of a developed nation.
Diabetes has many side effects. It can block arteries resulting to heart diseases and stroke. A blocked arteries in the legs, may lead to gangrene and amputation of the limbs. Poor disease control may cause the blockage of smaller arteries in the eyes and kidneys thus causing failure.
The key to controlling the epidemic is the diet and the life style. Regular exercise and low intake of processed sugar will help to control the level of glucose.
