(L to R) Dr. Nina Mazera Mohd Said, Abbott’s Nutrition Medical Director in Malaysia; Ainaa Munirah Pang, Glucerna Lifestyle Change Program (GLCP) participant; Dr. Zanariah Hussein, Head of the Endocrine Unit at Putrajaya Hospital and Indra Balaratnam, Consultant Dietitian advocating diabetes education at the launch of the Glucerna #StartsWithYou campaign launch.
The campaign highlights success stories of Malaysians who took part in a four-week lifestyle intervention program incorporating good nutrition and physical exercise. In promoting these stories and inviting people to share their journey with diabetes management, Abbott aims to empower people with diabetes to live fuller, healthier lives.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), there is an estimated 3.6 million Malaysians – or 15.6% of the adult population – living with diabetes, and there are many more who are unaware of their diabetic state. Uncontrolled diabetes can impact overall health. It can cause complications like heart disease, nerve or kidney damage. Small lifestyle modifications can make a big impact on diabetes management and overall health.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), there is an estimated 3.6 million Malaysians – or 15.6% of the adult population – living with diabetes, and there are many more who are unaware of their diabetic state. Uncontrolled diabetes can impact overall health. It can cause complications like heart disease, nerve or kidney damage. Small lifestyle modifications can make a big impact on diabetes management and overall health.
Dr. Nina and Ainaa sharing more about the awareness and management of diabetes.
''The prevalence of diabetes remains high in Malaysia, so it’s important to help individuals adopt healthy habits and strategies to manage their condition,'' said Dr. Nina Mazera Mohd Said, Abbott’s nutrition medical director in Malaysia during the recent event. ''The Glucerna® Lifestyle Change Program has supported many people with diabetes manage their glucose levels through positive lifestyle changes including good nutrition and exercise. Today, we are happy to showcase some success stories to empower more Malaysians with diabetes to build healthy habits.''
Taking Control of Diabetes Starts with You and the Support of Others
At the event, Ainaa Munirah Pang, a 39-year-old chef, shared her journey in achieving her target glucose levels with the help of the Glucerna® Lifestyle Change Program (GLCP). Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 27, Ainaa faced the challenge of adhering to a healthy and consistent regime, especially being surrounded by sweet temptations at her job.
The four-week lifestyle intervention program helped guide her on a path to better health. She received support from like-minded participants who shared common goals, challenges and resources to help manage their diabetes.
Insights on diabetes management and inspiring success stories were presented at the Glucerna #StartsWithYou campaign.
''Joining the program was life-changing,'' said Ainaa. ''It wasn’t just about controlling my glucose level but also about finding a community of support and making small changes that added up to a big difference.''
