World Diabetes Day: How Diabetes and Fatty Liver Are Connected – and the Role of Healthy Malaysia

November 14 is World Diabetes Day, a time to spotlight one of the most pressing health challenges of our era. Diabetes, especially type 2, affects millions of Malaysians, with nearly 1 in 5 adults now living with the condition. But diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar—it’s connected to other serious health issues, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Let’s dive into this connection and explore how Healthy Malaysia, an organisation making waves in community health, is helping Malaysians tackle these health challenges.

What is Diabetes, and Why Should We Care?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that prevents the body from effectively managing blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for most cases, is often linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet, inactivity, and excess weight. When unmanaged, it can lead to complications, from heart disease to kidney damage, and is increasingly connected to NAFLD, a “silent” liver disease with serious consequences.

Dr. Lim Teck Onn, the founder of Healthy Malaysia, has seen firsthand the effects of unchecked health conditions. “Even the most affluent individuals are not immune to the devastating consequences of undiagnosed illnesses,” he shared in an interview with Sokong. Dr. Lim’s organisation is dedicated to helping people detect these conditions early—before they become life-threatening.

How Are Diabetes and Fatty Liver Disease Linked?

NAFLD occurs when fat builds up in the liver in people who consume little to no alcohol. Although it often has no symptoms at first, NAFLD can progress to liver scarring, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Here’s how it connects to diabetes:

• Insulin Resistance: In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells resist insulin, leading to high blood sugar. This also promotes fat accumulation in the liver, contributing to NAFLD.

• Obesity: Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, is a significant risk factor for both type 2 diabetes and fatty liver.

• Inflammation: Both conditions involve chronic inflammation, which can worsen damage to organs like the liver over time.

Managing diabetes effectively can help reduce the risk of NAFLD and other health complications, underscoring the importance of a proactive approach to health—something Healthy Malaysia champions through its programs and outreach.

Healthy Malaysia: Making Preventive Health Accessible to All

Driven by a passion for health equity, Dr. Lim founded Healthy Malaysia to offer preventive healthcare that reaches all communities. The organisation uses innovative approaches, community health events, and partnerships to make health screenings and education accessible to all Malaysians.

• Community Screenings: Healthy Malaysia offers accessible screenings for diabetes, liver health, and other risk factors. “Early detection is the cornerstone of survival,” says Dr. Lim, who believes that getting people the right information and support early can change lives. Regular health events provide communities with on-the-spot screenings, allowing them to understand their health risks.

• Advanced Technology for Fast Results: Healthy Malaysia leverages the latest diagnostic tools, including portable ultrasounds and AI-powered assessments, to deliver fast and accurate health insights. “We are pioneering the integration of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies into community health screenings,” Dr. Lim explains. This means people can get the care they need, right in their communities, without having to visit specialised facilities.

• Focus on Cancer Prevention: In addition to tackling diabetes and fatty liver disease, Healthy Malaysia is dedicated to preventing and catching cancers early, including breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers. Recognising that diabetes can increase the risk of certain cancers, the organisation’s holistic approach ensures a broad focus on preventive health.

• Collaborations That Drive Change: Through partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organisations, Healthy Malaysia can reach even more people. “By pooling resources and expertise, we can reach underserved communities and effect meaningful change in healthcare accessibility,” says Dr. Lim. This collaborative approach helps spread awareness and increase access to essential health services.

Supporting Healthy Malaysia for a Healthier Nation

Healthy Malaysia is doing incredible work to make preventive healthcare accessible, particularly in underserved areas. Your support can help extend their reach and provide life-saving screenings and education to even more people. Each donation or act of volunteerism brings Healthy Malaysia closer to building a healthier, more resilient nation.

This World Diabetes Day, consider supporting Healthy Malaysia’s mission via Sokong. As Dr. Lim puts it, “Together, we can rewrite the narrative of healthcare in Malaysia.” By joining this movement, you’re contributing to a future where every Malaysian has the opportunity to live a healthy, thriving life.