Chronic Illness in Malaysia: Strategies for preventing Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity

Chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are critical public health issues in Malaysia. They pose a significant challenge to the healthcare system and have far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and society. Unfortunately, the prevalence of these diseases has been rising over the years and is expected to continue.

We discuss some steps to prevent these diseases from developing and additional tips to cope with these health issues.

What is a chronic illness?

They are long-term health conditions that can affect a person's physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Most chronic illnesses cannot be cured, they can be managed with the right medical treatment and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Thus, regular check-ups with healthcare providers and ongoing care and support may be necessary.

Chronic illnesses can be expensive to manage, resulting in significant medical bills, lost income, and reduced productivity. They can affect people of all ages but are more common among older adults.

Chronic illness symptoms

The symptoms of chronic illness vary depending on the specific disease, but some common symptoms include the following:

• Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest.

• Chronic pain, which can be localised or widespread.

• Inflammation that results in swelling, redness, and pain.

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

• Digestive problems: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation.

• Mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, or irritability.

• Skin problems: Rashes, dryness, or ulcers.

• Cognitive issues: Memory loss, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.

• Weakness that impacts a person's ability to perform daily activities.

• Sleep problems: Insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome.
  
  

What causes chronic illness?

The causes of chronic illness can vary, and they may be due to different factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and infections.

Genetic factors

Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer are among the many chronic illnesses that can be caused by genetic factors. As such, doctors often ask for family medical history when diagnosing these diseases.

Environmental factors

Exposure to toxins, pollutants, or infectious agents in the environment can contribute to chronic diseases, including heart disease, asthma, and cancer.

Lifestyle factors

Diet, lifestyles, and smoking are some of the most common factors that can increase a person's risk of developing chronic illnesses. This is why healthcare practitioners often advise a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

Infections

Infections can also cause some chronic illnesses. For example, hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, and Lyme disease.

Chronic illness examples

Some examples of chronic conditions are:

Diabetes Mellitus

A serious chronic illness, diabetes mellitus  impacts the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels through the production or use of insulin. There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder requiring lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, one in five adults in Malaysia has type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

Signs of diabetes can vary but often includes:

• Increased thirst.

• Frequent urination.

• Blurry vision.

• Numbness or tingling in one's feet or hands.

• Slow healing of wounds.
  
  

Causes of diabetes

The two types of diabetes have distinct causes. Diabetes Type 1 results from an autoimmune reaction that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This causes a lack of insulin production and elevated blood sugar levels.

In contrast, type 2 diabetes is typically due to genetic and lifestyle factors, including inactivity and an unhealthy diet.

Treatment for diabetes

The treatment of diabetes typically involves:

• Monitoring blood sugar levels

• Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise

• Taking medication or insulin as needed to manage blood sugar levels.
  
  

Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy, while type 2 diabetes may be managed with medication, insulin, or a combination of both. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers and education and support are also critical.

Additionally, health insurance plans like Prudential's PRUMy Diabetes Care can help by offering coverage for diabetes-related expenses and, thus, support for managing the condition. However, it’s important to consider that pre-existing conditions may not be covered, or would be subject to exclusions or higher premiums. 

How to prevent diabetes?

Fortunately, type 2 diabetes, which is the most common, can be prevented. Here are some ways to avoid it:

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Get regular exercise.

• Eat a nutritious and balanced diet.

• Avoid smoking.
  
  

Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious medical condition. It increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases significanly. According to the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey, 30% of Malaysians over 18 years suffer from hypertension.

Symptoms of hypertension

This condition is often called a "silent killer". Hypertensive individuals may be unaware of their condition since no warning signs or symptoms exist. As a result, blood pressure should be checked regularly.

When symptoms do occur, they include:

• Early morning headaches

• Nosebleeds

• Irregular heart rhythms

• Vision changes

• Buzzing in the ears

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Confusion

• Anxiety

• Chest pain

• Muscle tremors
  
  

Causes of hypertension

Although the exact causes of hypertension are unknown, risk factors for the disorder include:

• A family history of hypertension.

• Obesity (being overweight).

• Lack of physical exercise.
  
  

Treatment for hypertension

Treatment for hypertension typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. In addition, patients are encouraged to get regular check-ups, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

How to prevent hypertension?

Preventing hypertension involves adopting healthy habits and making lifestyle changes. The following actions can help prevent hypertension:

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Get regular exercise

• Eat a balanced diet

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Avoid smoking
  
  

Obesity

Obesity, characterised by excessive body fat, is a medical condition that can have adverse health effects. It is commonly measured using the body mass index (BMI), a ratio of one’s weight to height.

In Malaysia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 reports that around half of adults are affected, with 30.4% being overweight and 19.7% obese.

Problems associated with obesity

Obesity can present with a range of symptoms, including:

• Difficulty breathing

• Snoring

• Joint pain

• Increased sweating
  
  

In addition to physical symptoms, obesity can also have psychological effects. In some cases, people with obesity may experience low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Causes of obesity

While the exact causes of obesity are not fully understood, several risk factors can contribute to the condition. These include:

• Genetics

• Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and sedentary behaviour

• Medical conditions
  
  

Treatment for obesity

Obesity treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and reducing calorie intake.

In some cases, medication may be necessary. However, medications are not a substitute for lifestyle changes and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

In severe cases, bariatric surgery may be an option. This includes procedures such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, which work by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold or by reducing absorption.

How to prevent obesity?

Preventing obesity involves adopting healthy habits and making lifestyle changes. The following actions can help prevent obesity:

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Get regular exercise.

• Eat a balanced diet.

• Limit consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.

• Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.

• Limit sedentary behaviours.
  
  

How to cope with chronic illness?

Coping with chronic illness can be a challenging and ongoing process. Here are some tips for dealing with chronic disease:

Educate yourself: Learning about your condition and its management can help you feel more in control and better equipped to make decisions about your health.

Build a support network: A supportive network of family, friends, and healthcare providers can provide emotional support.

Practice self-care: Your physical and emotional needs are important. Sleep well, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.

Manage stress: Chronic illness can be stressful, and stress can exacerbate symptoms. Find stress-management techniques that work for you, such as meditation, deep breathing, or therapy.

Set realistic goals: Prioritise tasks and set achievable goals to avoid becoming overwhelmed and conserve your energy.

Be kind to yourself: Chronic illness can be emotionally taxing, and it's vital to acknowledge and address any negative emotions you may be experiencing.

Engage in meaningful activities: Engage in activities that bring you joy and meaning, and try to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine in your daily life.

Is there insurance for chronic illnesses?

Yes, there are insurance plans that cover chronic illnesses. One such plan is the Medical Booster offered by Prudential.

The Medical Booster is a rider for medical coverage that automatically increases every year as you age. This helps protect policyholders from inflation, rising medical costs, and long recovery times from serious conditions. With this plan, policyholders can enjoy comprehensive medical coverage that grows with them throughout their lives.

However, it’s important to note that pre-existing conditions may not be covered, or would be subject to exclusions or higher premiums.

Conclusion

Chronic illnesses can significantly impact a person's physical, emotional, and social well-being, making it crucial to address public health concerns proactively. Prudential's dependable coverage for chronic illnesses offers individuals and families a way to manage the financial impact of long-term health conditions, providing peace of mind and security during challenging times.