PETALING JAYA, AUGUST 2019 – Ascensia Diabetes Care, the world's leading provider of solutions for diabetes care, unveiled the results from its inaugural Malaysia Drive Against Diabetes 2019 Survey.

Results showed that 90% of the survey respondents perceived that they are in good health condition. However, facts revealed a slight disparity where 37% of respondents have some other underlying health complications such as high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and others.

Maximilian Lim, Managing Director of Ascensia Diabetes Care Malaysia of Ascensia Diabetes Care, said, "Based on the findings of our survey, we can conclude that there is the need to drive awareness on understanding diabetes and better diabetes self- management continuously."

This is in evidence by the following findings

• 86% of the non-diabetic respondents considered themselves to have some knowledgeable on diabetes.
• Among those non-diabetics, on a scale where seven is very knowledgeable and one is not knowledgeable, 86% of respondents gave themselves a rating of 4 and above.
• High sugar intake and family history were cited as the top two causes of diabetes by respondents.
• Majority of the respondents associated diabetes symptoms with increased thirst and urination as well as fatigue.
• People with diabetes, who uses a glucometer, have better awareness on diabetes knowledge and management as compared to those who do not use a glucometer. They have a good understanding of their diabetes condition. In addition, they are confident in their diabetes management and more compliant in their medication and treatment regime.
• Over 50% of the diabetic respondents have the perception that their doctor should be more responsible for managing their diabetes. According to Dr. Feisul, Consultant Public Health Physician and Deputy Director of Non-Communicable Disease Section (NCD) of Ministry of Health, Malaysians with diabetes should be the one to take charge of their own condition and play a major role to control their sugar level and reduce the risk of complications.

“With this survey, Ascensia is seeking to understand and increase awareness and support for better diabetes management in Malaysia so that we can, ultimately, empower and simplify the life of people with diabetes through innovative solutions.”

“Moving forward, Ascensia will continue to bring about campaigns that will enrich the lives of Malaysians, regardless of those living with diabetes, at-risk or those who affected by diabetes,” added Max.

YBHG Professor Dato’ Dr. Ikram Shah Ismail, President of Diabetes Malaysia, said, “The prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia is one of the highest in the world and the highest in Asia. Despite numerous efforts, the awareness levels remain low around the knowledge on diabetes and self-management.”

“Therefore, joint efforts and close collaboration of all the entities across the healthcare continuum remain important. This initiative by Ascensia will serve as a strong foundation for future campaigns led by private organisations,” he said.

The results were presented by Maximilian Lim of Ascensia Diabetes Care Malaysia at an event held at Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel, recently. Present at the event also include Dr. Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, Consultant Public Health Physician and Deputy Director of Non-Communicable Disease Section (NCD) of Ministry of Health; YBHG Professor Dato’ Dr. Ikram Shah Ismail, President of Diabetes Malaysia and Chiu Kah Shin, Head of Asia Pacific Sub Region 1, Ascensia Diabetes Care Singapore.

The survey was part of Ascensia’s community outreach campaign and was conducted in collaboration with Diabetes Malaysia. Managed by IPSOS Healthcare, the survey was aimed at assessing the knowledge and perception of diabetes and gathering better insights into urbanites’ mindset about diabetes.

The study was conducted among adults in the 18 to 69 years age group and across twenty (20) hotspots within Klang Valley. Areas covered included Cheras, Bangi, Shah Alam, Bangsar, Klang, Petaling Jaya, Rawang, Semenyih, Kajang, Damansara, Bangsar, Bangi and Kepong, to name a few. Malaysia Drive Against Diabetes 2019 Survey was conducted across two respondent categories: people with diabetes and people without diabetes.

ENDS

About Ascensia Diabetes Care

Ascensia Diabetes Care is a global specialist diabetes care company, dedicated to helping people living with diabetes. Our mission is to empower people living with diabetes through innovative solutions that simplify and improve their lives. We use our innovation and specialist expertise in diabetes to develop high-quality solutions and tools that make a positive, daily difference for people with diabetes.

Home to the world-renowned CONTOUR® portfolio of blood glucose monitoring systems, our products combine advanced technology with user-friendly functionality that helps people with diabetes to manage their condition. We are committed to continued research, innovation, and development of new products and solutions. As a trusted partner in the diabetes community, we collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and other partners to ensure our products meet the highest standards of accuracy, precision and reliability, and that we conduct our business compliantly and with integrity.

Ascensia Diabetes Care was established in 2016 through the sale of Bayer Diabetes Care to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd. Ascensia Diabetes Care products are sold in more than 125 countries. Ascensia Diabetes Care has around 1,700 employees and operations in 31 countries.

For further information, please visit the Ascensia Diabetes Care website at: http://www.ascensia.com

About Diabetes Malaysia

Diabetes Malaysia (DM) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization formed in 1981 and registered in 1983. DM has 14 State Branches and 39 District Branches with about 13,351 active members in 2018 comprising people with diabetes, medical and health professionals and others interested in diabetes. Our mission is to promote diabetes care through awareness, prevention, education and management. DM is an affiliate of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) since 1985 and actively participates in its activities.

For further information, please visit: www.diabetesmalaysia.org.my or contact DM at pdm@diabetesmalaysia.org.my / 03-7957 4062