{
  "id": 19754115,
  "title": "Diabetes: Take charge and don't delay",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/diabetes-take-charge-and-dont-delay",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-13T04:06:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2026/11/1576738/diabetes-take-charge-and-dont-delay"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 reveals that one in six adults in Malaysia has diabetes, with two in five remaining unaware of their condition. Dr Vanusha Devaraja Pillai, a consultant endocrinologist at Pantai Hospital Melaka, attributes this alarming rise to a combination of factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, diets high in processed foods, and genetic predisposition. Young Malaysians are particularly at risk, as obesity is not the only indicator of the disease. Abdominal obesity, with fat deposits around internal organs, can lead to diabetes even in thin individuals. Despite being unaware, many diabetics live normal lives, as diabetes can cause silent damage over time. Complications can silently damage blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, heart, and feet, and may be irreversible if detected late. Early screening, especially from age 30, is crucial, and early detection can protect organs and improve quality of life. Doctors should discuss medication options and adjust doses as needed, as diabetes can often be well managed with proper treatment. Lifestyle modifications, like a healthy diet and regular exercise, are essential components of diabetes management. Patients should take charge of their disease early to reduce complications and improve their quality of life.",
  "summary": "ACCORDING to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, one in six adults has diabetes and two in five are unaware they even have the disease.",
  "key_points": [
    "One in six Malaysians have diabetes, unaware of condition in two out of five",
    "Abdominal obesity can cause diabetes in thin individuals",
    "Early screening from age 30 crucial for organ protection and quality of life"
  ],
  "editors_take": "High rates of undiagnosed cases and silent complications shift the burden of management onto early screening and proactive lifestyle changes to prevent irreversible organ damage among Malaysians.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}