My diabetes is such a central part of my life… it did teach me discipline… it also taught me about moderation… I’ve trained myself to be super-vigilant… because I feel better when I am in control.
— Sonia Sotomayor, American lawyer
It feels surreal. Just last week, I was sharing tea with a dear friend at our favourite kopitiam in Petaling Jaya, and now, he’s gone — another victim of diabetes, claimed by a heart attack at the age of 54.
The shock and grief are overwhelming, but what strikes me most is how avoidable this could have been. It’s not the first time I’ve lost a friend to this silent killer, and it’s a stark reminder of the urgency to raise awareness about diabetes, a disease that affects millions yet is often neglected until it’s too late.
Back on August 17, 2020, I wrote about diabetes in my column when another close friend succumbed to the disease at 50. The doctors attributed it to a heart attack, but beneath it was the unchecked diabetes that silently deteriorated her health over the years. Today, I feel compelled to revisit the topic, not just as a journalist but as someone who has personally battled this condition.
To start, let’s clear up a common misconception: there is no cure for diabetes. The disease comes in two forms — type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas fails to produce insulin, usually developing early in life. Type 2, which is more prevalent, occurs when the body either doesn’t use insulin effectively or doesn’t produce enough.
While there is no cure, it’s possible for some people with type 2 diabetes to reverse it through strict dietary changes and weight loss. However, this does not equate to a cure; the disease can resurface, requiring constant vigilance.
The good news is that with proper management, it’s possible to live for years without major complications. But the key is early detection and consistent control, something that remains a challenge for many.
In Malaysia, the situation is alarming. We have the highest rate of diabetes in Asia and one of the highest globally, second only to Saudi Arabia. According to the National Diabetes Institute, between 2.5 and 3.9 million Malaysian adults suffer from the disease, and disturbingly, almost half are unaware of it.
The Ministry of Health reports that one in five Malaysian adults, or 18.3 per cent, could have diabetes. This is frightening, especially since type 2 often goes undetected until it’s too late — manifesting as a heart attack, kidney failure, blindness, or stroke, hence the nickname, ‘silent killer’.
In Sarawak, the numbers are equally concerning. The high incidence rate of about one in six individuals reflects our sedentary lifestyles, characterised by overeating and lack of exercise. Some may dismiss this as an exaggeration, but the reality is stark.
A New Sarawak Tribune report (Nov 14, 2022), cited the National Diabetes Registry (NDR) as stating that Sarawak had 160,587 registered diabetes patients, with over 23,000 in Sibu alone. Another report (March 31, 2023), revealed that 13 per cent of Sarawakians are diabetic, a figure lower than the national average but still alarming.
According to Dr. Ashok Segar, a close family friend and authority on diabetes, an active lifestyle and balanced diet, coupled with regular exercise, can help prevent type 2 diabetes. In Malaysia, most diabetes cases are of type 2, affecting older individuals, while type 1, though less common, impacts younger people.
Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak branch chairman Dr. William Voon echoes Dr. Segar’s sentiments, saying the older one gets, the more likely one is to develop diabetes, as ageing weakens the pancreas and leads to weight gain and reduced physical activity.
Now, let me share my own experience with diabetes, a journey that has been both challenging and transformative. Mid last year, I started feeling unwell, but I brushed it off, attributing it to stress and age.
It wasn’t until late September, when I struggled to climb the stairs to my room, gasping for breath, that I realised something was seriously wrong. My family rushed me to Sarawak General Hospital, where the doctor immediately admitted me.
After several tests, one of which measured my blood sugar, the results were startling — my glucose reading was 14.5 mmol/L, dangerously high.
The doctor explained that I likely had elevated glucose levels for years without realising I was diabetic. The thought that I could have collapsed and died if I hadn’t sought medical attention was terrifying.
I was put on a drip and advised to cut out sugar and carbohydrates from my diet. After a week in the hospital, I was discharged with instructions to take insulin injections and metformin tablets daily.
I couldn’t accept the idea of being dependent on medication for the rest of my life, so I delved into research on diabetes management. I asked Dr. Segar if it was possible to control my condition through diet and exercise alone, avoiding insulin and metformin. He told me it was possible but would require strict adherence to a carb-free diet and a daily exercise routine.
Determined to reclaim my health, I committed to a radical lifestyle change. For nearly a year, I have completely abstained from bread, rice, noodles, roti canai, chapatti, sugar, and milk. I’ve replaced them with a diet rich in cheese, eggs, meat, fish, and leafy vegetables, and I exercise daily — an hour on the treadmill and 30 minutes of weight training.
The results have been remarkable. My daily blood sugar readings now average between 4.8 and 6.2 mmol/L, and I feel fitter than ever. I can walk for miles without fatigue, and I’ve regained a muscular physique that surprises even me.
At 64, and thanks to Dr Segar, I’m proud to say I’m healthier and stronger than many of my younger friends. Who says diabetes is a death sentence? With the right approach, it’s possible not just to live with the disease but to thrive. My journey is proof that diabetes can be controlled, and life can be enjoyed to the fullest.
As I mourn the loss of another friend to this devastating disease, I feel a renewed sense of responsibility to raise awareness about diabetes. It is a condition that can be managed with the right knowledge and commitment, but too often, it’s neglected until it’s too late.
I appeal to my readers to take this silent killer seriously — get tested, stay active, and make healthy dietary choices. Diabetes is not a death sentence, but ignoring it can be. Let my experience serve as a testament to the power of determination and the importance of proactive health management.
Together, we can change the narrative and help more people lead healthy, fulfilling lives despite the challenges of diabetes. Remember, don’t let sugar kill you!
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
