Doctor clarifies link between sugar intake and diabetes

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SIBU: The public has a misconception that taking more sugar can cause diabetes.

THANK YOU: Tiong (left) presents a token of appreciation to Dr Wong.

THANK YOU: Tiong (left) presents a token of appreciation to Dr Wong.

Sibu Hospital physician, Dr Wong Toh Mee said this.

However Dr Wong was quick to point out that excessive intake of sugar could lead to obesity.

“When that happens, a person might develop a condition known as insulin resistance or auto immune disease which leads to diabetes,” she informed The Borneo Post in an interview after the 17th Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Diabetes Association, Sibu branch.

In Malaysia some 52 per cent of patients undergoing dialysis were diabetics, and the age of those getting the disease  was getting younger.

Dr Wong also warned that kidney or renal failure does not present with signs and symptoms.

She did not discount the possibility of some people finding out they suffered kidney failure at a late stage.

Renal failure need not present with pain in the region of the waist.

“Pain does not equate to kidney failure,” she said.

The physician pointed out that signs are usually visible in the advanced stage of failure, presenting as fatique, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting.

Others signs included swollen feet and ankles, she added.

She said those suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure and accompanied by a family history of kidney disease might develop renal failure.

“Get a doctor’s examination if you fall in the high risk group,” advised Dr Wong.

Among some of the early detection methods available are blood test, blood sugar test and urine test (for presence of protein in urine).

She stressed that it was important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“Follow a healthy diet and control the body weight. Exercising regularly is important and stop smoking,” she advised.

Dr Wong also advised the public against buying over the counter medicine to treat themselves: “This could result in complications.”

Earlier, chairman of Malaysian Diabetes Association Sibu branch Tiong Kiong King said their regular screening programmes had heightened public awareness of the dangers of diabetes.

If not detected early, diabetes could lead to complications which are not only costly but a burden to the patient and his family, Tiong said.

He works closely with various NGOs and government agencies.

“As reported in 2009, a total of 1,237 people have benefited from our screening programmes and campaigns,” he revealed.