Should I check for Diabetes?

Yes, if :

1. You have symptoms of diabetes (lethargy, polydipsia, polyuria, lost of weight, blurring of vision)
2. For those without symptoms, screening should be done for adult with overweight (BMI>23kg/m2 or waist circumference ?80 cm for female and ?90 cm for male) with any of risk factors as follows :
   1. History of cardiovascular disease
   2. Family history of diabetes (first-degree relative)
   3. Hypertension
   4. Abnormal cholesterol level
   5. Previous Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Impaired Fasting Glucose
   6. Physically inactive
   7. Women with polycyctic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
   8. Women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

How to screen for Diabetes?

You can do a blood test for Random Blood Glucose by finger prick. It can be done at any time of the day at your convenience.

Why is it important to measure blood glucose level regularly?

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a major health problem in Malaysia. The National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2011 shows that 20.8% of Malaysian adults 30 years old have Diabetes.

People with Diabetes Mellitus are prone to get several diseases and complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, stroke and diabetic foot.

Control of blood glucose can prevent heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, foot amputation and blindness

Do I have Diabetes?

If your Random Blood Glucose level is > 5.6 mmol/l, further blood tests are needed.

Where can I check for Diabetes?

You can check at :

• government clinics and hospitals
• private clinics and hospitals
• private medical laboratories

How frequent screening should be done?

• Screening should be done every year
• For those without risk factors, screening should be started at age of 30

What should I do if my blood glucose level is raised?

You should :

• Consult your family doctor, or
• Consult the nearest government or private health clinic.

Confirmation test will be done subsequently.

How to maintain normal blood glucose level?

Practice healthy lifestyle :

• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Healthy Eating – Reduce carbohydrate and fat in diet.
• Be physically active – Start a regular exercise programme, at least 30 minutes, 5 time a week.

Further information

Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 5th Edition, Malaysia, 2015.

Support groups.

Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia (PDM)

Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society (MEMS)

National Diabetes Institute (NADI)