THE drastic increase in cases of diabetes in the country can be attributed to the insatiable craving for sweet edibles on the part of most Malaysians.
For instance, in 2010 alone, 60 per cent of the 1.2 million tonnes of sugar imports was taken up by households and retailers.
On average, Malaysians consume 26 teaspoons of sugar per day. Yet, sugar is nutrient-free, totally unnecessary from the physiological perspective.
We are, indeed, a people who go gaga over sugar and our sweet tooth is not only chomping a big hole in the government’s coffers but also harming our health.
Just look at the Health Ministry stats – the number of diabetics in the country has soared by almost 80 per cent over a 10-year span (1996-2006) to 1.4 million adults above 30 years old.
This does not include some 36 per cent who have gone undiagnosed and will need costlier medical attention when complications set in later.
With the current population of 28 million and at the diabetes prevalence rate of 15 per cent, there are now about 4.2 million diabetics in Malaysia, putting a further strain on the already over-stretched health services – whereas millions in healthcare costs could be saved if there were a conscious national effort to prevent sugar-related diseases.
A sedentary lifestyle, coupled with a gluttonous tendency to overeat, especially the sweet stuff, is the main culprit. For diabetics, the need for modifications such as weight loss, dietary change and increased exercise are necessary to manage and control their condition.
Obesity is another alarming trend in Malaysia. According to the 2006 National Health and Morbidity Survey, the number of the obese had gone up by nearly 200 per cent over a 10-year period from 1996.
Director General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said this was a worrying development as obesity remains the foundation for the development of diabetes, particularly in Malaysia.
Studies also showed the number of obese Malaysian adults had increased from 4.4 per cent in 1996 to 14 per cent in 2006. Evidently, an addiction to sugar has led to these frightening figures.
The government is now trying to determine whether removal of the sugar subsidy will deter excessive sugar consumption. The withdrawal of the subsidy is in line with the government’s aim to promote healthier lifestyles among the people through reduced sugar intake.
At the same time, the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry is studying proposals from various groups to slash the subsidy and the matter would be brought up to the cabinet for discussion.
According to the ministry’s latest figures, the government is spending RM720 million on sugar subsidy to keep the price at RM1.45 per kg. A subsidy removal may push the price up to RM2.45 per kg for a 70 per cent hike.
The government can have even bigger savings if it makes deeper cuts of the sweet subsidy. When prices are high, people will be discouraged from eating more sugar.
For the medical standpoint, this will lead to a reduction of health problems induced by sugar which is linked to over 60 ailments, including, cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart and kidney problems, asthma and allergies.
Reduced sugar intake will also save millions in healthcare expenses. In fact, it does not make any sense for the government to continue making sugar price affordable while simultaneously campaigning against high sugar intake.
There is certainly a case to be made for selling sugar at market price. As the commodity is neither a basic necessity nor a healthful sustenance save for a sweetness that titillates the taste-bud, there is no reason to carry on subsidising the very substance that is harmful to our health.
The money can be better spent on things that benefit the people.
Since too much sugar is bad for health, we should eat less of – or abstain from – it in our daily diet. And for starters, why not go ‘kosong’ when ordering your cuppa at the kopi tiam.
Sugar-less beverages not only cost less – which means you can save on your daily coffee cravings – but also helps you to avoid many of the ‘sweet’ diseases. It’s a win-win situation.