Sunway Healthcare Group launches "KNOW Diabetes" - Prevention is Power Campaign for World Diabetes Day

 

Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) has launched the KNOW Diabetes campaign, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia, which currently holds the highest diabetes rate in the Western Pacific region. In collaboration with World Diabetes Day 2024, SHG's campaign—centered on the message, "Prevention is Power"—seeks to raise awareness and educate Malaysians on managing diabetes risk. Through food education and advocating for small, impactful dietary changes, the campaign underscores how a balanced diet can significantly reduce diabetes risk.

The initiative started with a survey of over 1,000 Malaysians, carried out by cilisos.my, to understand public perceptions and barriers around healthy eating. Although 80% of respondents expressed concern about diabetes, social pressures and time constraints were identified as major obstacles to adopting healthier eating habits. Many respondents viewed nutritious food as costly and inaccessible, with 47% associating it with high-income groups and 59% noting that healthy options are not easily found in local eateries. Economic challenges and the belief that healthy food is more expensive deterred 54% from making healthier dietary choices, while 50% struggled to find the time to cook due to work commitments. On a positive note, peer support was identified as a potential motivator: 40% said they would consider reducing sugar if their partner joined them, and 56% were more likely to take exercise seriously if encouraged by colleagues.

Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of SHG, highlighted the severe impact of diabetes on Malaysians' health and quality of life and its broader socioeconomic effects. He emphasized the critical role of information in preventing diabetes, noting that the campaign seeks to educate the public about the effects of food on diabetes risk. The survey data collected, he stated, will support SHG's continued efforts to address the diabetes epidemic in Malaysia.

Aligned with the World Health Organization’s 2024 theme of "Empowering Global Health," KNOW Diabetes integrates community efforts, on-ground activities at SHG hospitals, media and social media content, and interactive tools like an online Diabetes Risk Calculator. SHG’s campaign will also run social media contests to encourage affordable, healthy cooking at home, along with practical nutritional tips aimed at establishing lifelong healthy habits. The month-long program seeks to reach individuals and families across Malaysia, fostering a community-driven approach to combat diabetes and inspire healthier living at all ages.

As diabetes rates continue to rise—data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 shows 15.6% of adults have diabetes, with many young adults unaware of their risk—KNOW Diabetes is both a timely and urgent initiative. SHG’s campaign offers Malaysians the knowledge and tools to take proactive steps, helping individuals protect their health and reduce the national diabetes burden.