KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — A diabetes group and a sugar producer launched today a nationwide roadshow to raise awareness on the disease and to promote a healthier sweetener.
The National Diabetes Institute (NADI) and Central Sugars Refinery Sdn Bhd kickstarted their first “Promote Healthy Lifestyle, Fight Diabetes” roadshow at a Tamil school in Taman Sri Andalas, Klang, over the weekend.
“Chronic conditions such as diabetes can be quite daunting, which is why it is so important for Malaysians to be made aware on the effects of diabetes,” NADI honorary executive chairman Dr Mustaffa Embong said in a statement.
“It is important to know what preventive measures can be taken to avoid the onset of diabetes or other associated diseases, as well as obtaining an early diagnosis so that effective treatment can be provided.”
Central Sugars Refinery CEO Hishammudin Hasan urged the public to consider his company’s “Better Brown Low G Sugar” as an alternative sweetener that has a lower glycemic index (GI) count of 55 or less than regular white sugar with a GI value at 69, plus or minus 5.
“CSR (Central Sugars Refinery) is proud to partner with NADI to continue our efforts in raising awareness of consuming sugar in a responsible manner.
“Through these roadshows, we hope to educate and encourage the public to make wise choices by practicing a low GI diet and considering the ‘Better Brown Low G Sugar’ as another alternative for a healthier option,” he said in a statement.
Foods that contain carbohydrates have different GI levels depending on how fast the body converts carbs into glucose. The three GI ratings are low (55 or less), medium (56 to 69), and high (70 or more). Low-GI foods are preferred because they are slowly digested and absorbed, leading to a smaller and slower rise in blood glucose compared to foods with higher GI values.
The Klang roadshow, which was joined by the Klang district health office, featured free health screenings, consultations and activities to educate families on the importance of consuming sugar responsibly, besides raising awareness on diabetes.
The roadshow will be expanded to five other locations nationwide, with the next one scheduled in Batu Pahat, Johor, between April 28 and 29.
