Melaka recorded over 120,000 diabetes cases since 2015, with 6,000 new cases detected annually, ranking second highest in Malaysia.
MELAKA: The state recorded 123,468 diabetes cases between 2015 and October this year.
State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem described the trend as quite alarming.
Approximately 6,000 new diabetes cases are detected annually in Melaka.
Only 43,791 patients continue receiving follow-up treatment at government health facilities.
Melaka Tengah registered the highest number with over 60,000 cases in the past decade.
Alor Gajah recorded over 30,000 cases while Jasin also showed relatively high numbers.
Ngwe cited the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 showing Melaka as Malaysia’s second-highest state for diabetic patients.
“Diabetes remains one of the leading causes of death in Malaysia,” he told reporters.
He noted many patients are diagnosed late when severe complications have developed.
“Although diabetes does not directly cause death, it contributes to other life-threatening conditions,” he said.
These include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, severe infections and amputations.
Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, obesity and poor treatment compliance worsen the situation.
Ngwe urged residents to undergo regular health screenings at government facilities.
The State Health Department continues screening programmes under the National Health Screening Initiative.
Early detection of non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes, remains a priority. – Bernama
