KUCHING: A total of 165,928 diabetic patients are registered with government health facilities in the state as of September this year, said Sarawak Health Department deputy director Dr Rosemawati Ariffin.
She said Kuching has the highest number of patients at 51,041, followed by Miri (23,256), Sibu (20,795), Bintulu (11,395), Samarahan (10,165), Betong (9,454), Sri Aman (8,181), Serian (8,056), Sarikei (7,745), Limbang (6,176), Kapit (5,102) and Mukah (4,562).
The figure, she added, does not include those who seek treatment at private clinics or hospitals.
“Although the prevalence of diabetes in the state is lower than the national average, this does not mean that we are in a safe position in terms of increasing number of people suffering from diabetes,” Dr Rosemawati said during the launching of ‘World Diabetes Day 2019’ organised by Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak branch, at KTS Garden here yesterday.
She said according to National Health Mobility Survey 2015, the prevalence of diabetes among the people in the country is about 17.5 per cent, while for Sarawak it is at 14.8 per cent.
Dr Rosemawati, who was representing state Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim at the event, said the rising trend of people being diagnosed with diabetes in Sarawak is a worrying sign, with both urban and rural areas showing an uptick of people seeking treatment.
She added that the focus of the department this year is to spread awareness on the complications of diabetes.
She also highlighted the role played by family institution which she said is crucial to provide the necessary support for diabetic patients, while making sure they are committed to the treatment available.
“I sincerely hope that the private sector, organisations and agencies could assist the state Health Department to take up the responsibility in organising campaigns to spread the awareness of diabetes within the society.”
Such cooperation, she pointed out, is important to enable early detection of diabetes and prevent health complications from arising.