The Management & Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
1.0 Introduction
Working presently as Senior Assistant Medical Officer at the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, I had been in this profession since 1982. Global warnings over diabetes increase. Research carried out by the International Diabetes Federation (2009) reveals that around 314 million people, equating to 8.2% of the global adult population, may have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) which is a condition that often precedes the development of diabetes.
The incidence of diabetes in Malaysia is similar to other countries in the world (Malaysian Diabetes Association, 2009). Diabetes Mellitus is one of the commonest chronic illnesses seen at primary care facilities. A past study by the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey (1996) showed that the prevalence of Diabetes is increasing from 6.3% to 8.3% for adults aged above 30 in 1996.
However, there are nearly 1.2 million people in Malaysia who currently have diabetes as studies showed that the prevalence of obesity among Malaysian adults increased by a staggering 250% over a 10 year period from 1996 till 2006 while the number of overweight cases has increased by 70% as 43% of Malaysians aged above 30 suffer from diabetes (Malaysian Diabetes Association, 2010). The National Health and Morbidity Survey (2006) in a later study showed that two out of every five Malaysian adults or 43%, were either overweight or obese and a distressing situation where the number of obese adults had more than tripled over a decade, from 4% in 1996 to 14% in 2006. In addition, about 38% of youngsters aged between 12 and 18 were classified as overweight. The major causes of morbidity and mortality in the diabetic patient are heart disease and stroke (Tzagournis & Falko, 1982).
2.0 Definitions
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic and progressive disorder that can have an impact upon almost every aspect of life. It can affect children, young people and adults of all ages, and is becoming more common.
Working presently as Senior Assistant Medical Officer at the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, I had been in this profession since 1982. Global warnings over diabetes increase. Research carried out by the International Diabetes Federation (2009) reveals that around 314 million people, equating to 8.2% of the global adult population, may have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) which is a condition that often precedes the development of diabetes.
The incidence of diabetes in Malaysia is similar to other countries in the world (Malaysian Diabetes Association, 2009). Diabetes Mellitus is one of the commonest chronic illnesses seen at primary care facilities. A past study by the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey (1996) showed that the prevalence of Diabetes is increasing from 6.3% to 8.3% for adults aged above 30 in 1996.
However, there are nearly 1.2 million people in Malaysia who currently have diabetes as studies showed that the prevalence of obesity among Malaysian adults increased by a staggering 250% over a 10 year period from 1996 till 2006 while the number of overweight cases has increased by 70% as 43% of Malaysians aged above 30 suffer from diabetes (Malaysian Diabetes Association, 2010). The National Health and Morbidity Survey (2006) in a later study showed that two out of every five Malaysian adults or 43%, were either overweight or obese and a distressing situation where the number of obese adults had more than tripled over a decade, from 4% in 1996 to 14% in 2006. In addition, about 38% of youngsters aged between 12 and 18 were classified as overweight. The major causes of morbidity and mortality in the diabetic patient are heart disease and stroke (Tzagournis & Falko, 1982).
2.0 Definitions
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic and progressive disorder that can have an impact upon almost every aspect of life. It can affect children, young people and adults of all ages, and is becoming more common.
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