Diabetes is becoming more common among younger Malaysians. In the past, it was mainly associated with older adults. However, unhealthy lifestyles are now causing more teenagers and young adults to face higher risks at an earlier age.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, about one in six Malaysian adults have diabetes. In addition, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported growing concerns about obesity and excessive sugar intake among young people. These trends show that diabetes is no longer only a future health issue. Instead, it is already affecting the current generation.
One major factor is diet. Today, sugary drinks have become part of daily routines for many Malaysians. Bubble tea, canned drinks, sweet coffee, and desserts are widely consumed, especially among students and young adults.
In some cases, a single drink contains more sugar than the daily intake recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). As a result, frequent consumption increases the risk of obesity and diabetes over time.
Besides that, physical activity has also decreased significantly. Many students spend long hours sitting in classrooms, attending tuition, studying, or using phones and laptops. Consequently, exercise becomes less consistent, especially in urban areas where lifestyles are increasingly screen based.
Academic pressure also contributes to the issue. Many students prioritise examinations over sleep, exercise, and proper meals. Furthermore, irregular eating schedules, stress eating, and lack of rest are becoming more common. Although these habits may appear normal during school years, they can gradually lead to long term health problems.
Another concern is that health education is often too theoretical. Students may learn about diabetes for examinations, yet they are not always taught practical habits such as nutrition management, portion control, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Therefore, awareness alone is not enough if daily behaviour does not change.
At the same time, cost and convenience also influence food choices. Fast food and processed meals are usually cheaper and easier to access than healthier options. Moreover, food delivery platforms and convenience stores make unhealthy meals available almost anytime.
Social media has also played a role in shaping eating habits. Viral food trends and high calorie snacks are heavily promoted online. As a result, young people are constantly exposed to unhealthy eating content, which slowly normalises poor dietary habits.
The long-term impact of diabetes is serious. It increases the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision problems. In addition, treating these conditions increases healthcare costs for families and the country.
Therefore, addressing this issue requires stronger prevention efforts. Schools should place greater emphasis on practical health education and encourage active lifestyles.
Likewise, parents should help build healthier eating habits at home. At the same time, healthier food choices must become more affordable and accessible.
Technology can still support prevention through health tracking applications and online awareness campaigns. Nevertheless, technology alone is not enough. Lifestyle changes remain the most important factor.
Overall, diabetes among young Malaysians is linked to diet, lifestyle, education, and daily habits. If these issues continue to be ignored, more young people may face chronic health conditions earlier in life.
For this reason, prevention must begin early before the problem becomes more difficult to control.
The author is a Malaysian student with a strong interest in STEM, innovation, and software engineering.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
