SELANGOR, Dec 2 (Bernama) --  At the recent Lions for Diabetes Awareness Programme, which educates the public to “Say No to Diabetes”, doctors warned that by 2020, one in five Malaysians are at risk of diabetes.  They echoed a 2015 study reporting 3.3 million diabetes cases in Malaysia, causing 34,579 adult deaths. In conjunction with World Diabetes Day, the Lions for Diabetes Awareness from District 308B1, Region 3 & 4 organised the event to raise awareness on this potentially fatal condition.
 
“Most people think diabetes is not a serious condition, and can be managed through medication; but this is a dangerous misconception. If not managed properly, the condition will only worsen. Diabetes currently cause more deaths globally than conditions such as AIDS or cardiovascular disease,” said Organising Chairman, Dr Andrew Chiew, who also spoke on Prevention of Diabetes.
 
“It is important to take good care of your limbs if you have diabetes as it increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease. Proper shoes and regular check-ups are necessary to prevent amputation,” explains Consultant Vascular and General Surgeon at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital Dato’ Dr Ho Teik Kok.
 
“Diabetes can also be attributed to genetic factors and age, so even those leading a healthy lifestyle should undergo regular health screening,” shares Dr Adriel Soh, founder of Adriel Optometry Consultants. “The condition can lead to complications in the eye, so seeing an eye specialist regularly is recommended.”
 
The event featured several complimentary health screening booths for participants, which include tests for vision, blood glucose and blood pressure levels, BMI, and foot vascular health. The equipment and manpower were provided by sponsors including the Optometry Club of SEGI College, Rossmax and Poliklinik Mediprinz; the venue was sponsored by Cheras Leisure Mall. The National Blood Bank also held a blood donation drive, and managed to attract 59 donors.
 
With the aim of creating public awareness, the Lions for Diabetes Awareness Programme received over 200 participants. The encouraging response showed a demand for such awareness to be created and the organizing committee plans to hold a similar event next year.
 
Source: Lions for Diabetes Awareness
 
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--BERNAMA