Challenging type 2 diabetics towards better disease management
A new nutrition program aimed at diabetics has recently been introduced. The Glucerna® Challenge Me program is part of Abbott’s efforts to educate and improve the quality of life of diabetics through proper nutrition and provision of useful tools.
Running for 12 weeks, the Challenge Me program allows type 2 diabetics to create a simple plan that incorporates a healthy meal plan, specialized nutrition and exercise.
Malaysia has been plagued by increasingly high rates of diabetes in recent years, with the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 estimating the prevalence of diabetes to affect 1-in-5 for adults aged 18 years and above by 2020.
Proper diabetes management is important because people with the condition are two to four times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke compared to healthy individuals. They are also at additional risk of other health complications such as kidney failure, blindness, lower-limb amputation and death.
These factors make proper management especially important to diabetics. Here, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is the first step to proper diabetes management. Additionally, weight management and physical activity are important factors to take into consideration as they contribute to additional health-related complications in people with diabetes.
Dr. Shaalani Ramachandran, medical director, Abbott Nutrition Malaysia, said: “The effective management of diabetes is becoming increasingly important because of the prevalence of this disease. Whilst everyone should be vigilant in monitoring their nutritional intake and all-round health, research and experience have shown that diabetics often struggle with this. That’s why we developed Glucerna® Challenge Me – to provide diabetics with an easy-to-use resource that helps them take charge of managing their condition and feel confident they can lead a healthier lifestyle.”
More information regarding the program can be obtained at www.glucernachallengeme.com.my or by calling 1-800-88-6233.
