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Rise in Diabetes and High Cholesterol Prevalence in Kelantan Exceeds National Average
KOTA BARU, May 30 — The incidence of diabetes and high cholesterol among Kelantan's residents has surpassed the national average, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed. The findings are based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023.
Dr Dzulkefly disclosed that 16.3% of people in Kelantan suffer from diabetes, an increase of 0.7 percentage points relative to the national average of 15.6%. Similarly, high cholesterol levels in the state indicated a 1.6 percentage point rise, reaching 34.9%, while the national average stands at 33.3%.
The minister expressed concern over these figures, acknowledging that Kelantan demonstrated better results in some indicators compared to the national level. He emphasized that 51.6% of Kelantan's population is categorized as overweight or obese (higher than the national average of 54.4%), and the high blood pressure rates stood at 27.9% (vs. 9.2% nationally).
To combat these health issues, the ministry has initiated the 'Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat' (ANMS) as a platform promoting healthier lifestyles. Dr Dzulkefly detailed that this initiative aims to establish a culture centered on wellness across the nation.
Lifestyle choices, cultural and environmental factors likely contribute to the increase in diabetes and high cholesterol prevalence in Kelantan. Common culprits include an unbalanced diet high in saturated fats and sugars, lack of physical activity, genetics, and socioeconomic factors. Additionally, traditional diets high in fatty foods and sugar, as well as urbanization-induced lifestyle changes, may exacerbate the problem.
The growing incidence of diabetes and high cholesterol presents several challenges, including increased mortality and morbidity due to associated cardiovascular diseases, a significant economic burden on healthcare, and reduced quality of life due to physical limitations and increased dependency on healthcare services.
To address these health concerns, preventive and management strategies are essential. Prevention entails promoting healthy lifestyles, raising public awareness, and implementing community programs. Management emphasizes early detection, intervention, access to healthcare services, and supportive policies.
By recognizing the causes and consequences of these conditions, targeted and effective approaches can be developed to manage and prevent diabetes and high cholesterol prevalence in Kelantan. The ministry's ANMS initiative is one such effort to promote health awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles nationwide.
- To better understand the reasons behind the rising diabetes and high cholesterol prevalence in Kelantan, traditional diets and urbanization-induced lifestyle changes need to be studied, as they may significantly contribute to the issue.
- Malaysia's culture plays a role in the health issues faced by Kelantan's residents, with traditional diets often being high in saturated fats and sugars, which are harmful to health.
- To combat the escalating health concerns in Kelantan, emphasis should be placed on improving nutrition and promoting fitness and exercise, as these factors can help manage weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
- Mental health is equally important in the overall well-being of individuals. As the high blood pressure rates in Kelantan indicate a concerning trend, mental health awareness and access to counseling services need to be addressed as a part of the comprehensive health strategy.
- News outlets, educational institutions, and community organizations should collaborate to spread awareness about the health and wellness of Malaysians, particularly those residing in Kelantan. By prioritizing health-related news and hosting workshops on fitness, nutrition, and mental health, a healthier population can be encouraged and supported.
