Bringing a knife to a gunfight the undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension patients – The Star Online

A recent national survey in 2019 found that 3.9 million adult Malaysians have diabetes and almost half of them have raised blood glucose but were not diagnosed to have diabetes. From these undiagnosed diabetic Malaysians, more than half of them were workers.

The same survey found 6.4 million adult Malaysians have hypertension and only half of them were aware they have the disease. From these undiagnosed hypertensive Malaysians, more than half of them were workers.

Currently, Malaysians needs to learn how to live with Covid-19. Many Malaysians must go to work and run the economy while still in this Covid-19 war. Therefore, all Malaysians must be empowered and be well prepared to enter the battle field.

Studies show that people with diabetes and hypertension have a higher risk to have a more severe COVID-19 infection that also may end with death. Diabetic and hypertensive patients must manage their disease well despite the disruption of other healthcare services due to this Covid-19 pandemic. Well-controlled diabetes and hypertension better prepares these vulnerable groups to reduce their chances of ending up with a severe Covid-19 infection.

The undiagnosed diabetic and hypertensive Malaysians are like people who bring a knife to a gunfight: Not adequately equipped and prepared for this Covid-19 war. Other than social distancing, always washing your hands and wearing a mask (when social distancing is not possible), taking care of your health is an important defence in this fight against Covid-19.

Know your status. Get yourself checked yearly for diabetes and hypertension if you are above 18 years old. Avoid becoming the casualty of this war that is not going to end soon.

The Malaysian Public Health Physicians' Association (PPPKAM)

Dr Siti Nurbaya Shahrir

Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar

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Bringing a knife to a gunfight the undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension patients - The Star Online