Diabetes affects 3.9 million adults in Malaysia, one of the highest incidence rates in Asia, according to the Ministry of Health. Recognising the growing diabetes epidemic in Malaysia, Abbott introduced the new Glucerna – formulated for people with diabetes and clinically proven to keep blood glucose levels on target in 4 weeks.

The disease trend is not only increasing, but those diagnosed grapple with how to manage and control their blood glucose. In a survey conducted by Abbott which aimed to better understand the challenges of living with diabetes and to find solutions to empower patients, 96% of the 158 respondents experience Diabetes Burnout – a state of emotional or physical exhaustion caused by feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the burden of diabetes self-management, and want to be empowered over their diet.

“Poor glucose control is a major problem among people living with diabetes in Malaysia, as many of them lack knowledge on how dietary behaviour and even slight changes in their eating plan can negatively impact diabetes management ,” said associate professor Dr Norlaila Mustafa, consultant physician & endocrinologist, and head of department, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. “Therefore, keeping blood glucose levels on target can prevent or delay the onset of complications such as blindness, kidney disease and heart disease.”

Diabetes Burnout in individuals with diabetes has been shown to result in poor adherence^[1], reduced self-care^[2] and poor glucose control. More than three-fourths of survey respondents said that maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy diet were the two main stressors. The top two aspects of dietary management that cause the most stress are following a diet suitable for people with diabetes (72%) and keeping count of calories or carbohydrates daily (73%).

“Stress can affect diabetes control, therefore managing the emotional and psychological state is as important as managing glucose readings,” said professor Dr Winnie Chee from the department of nutrition & dietetics, International Medical University. “People with diabetes are often burdened by many aspects of self-care, particularly dietary choices. Knowing the ‘right’ foods to eat that will not raise their blood sugar is a formidable challenge for most individuals. Diet control plays a key role in managing diabetes and delaying complications, hence a multidisciplinary healthcare team which includes a dietitian can assist people with diabetes learn how to eat well with less stress and better manage their diabetes.

CONVENIENT DIET CHOICES EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

The survey showed, respondents want to be more empowered over their diet – with solutions that help reduce the stress of following a diabetes-specific diet. The two solutions respondents found to be most useful were convenient and affordable diabetes-friendly meals (88%) and diabetes-specific supplements to replace meals or snacks (91%).

“Diabetes-specific formulas are a simple and convenient solution to help those living with diabetes adjust their lifestyle,” said Dr Nina Mazera Mohd Said, medical director for the nutrition business, Abbott in Malaysia. “For over 30 years, Abbott has studied and developed nutrition formulas specifically for people with diabetes. The new formulated Glucerna® makes it easier for people with diabetes to be in control of their glucose management in as early as four weeks.”

The new Glucerna® with improved formulation is suitable for individuals with pre-diabetes, diabetes and gestational diabetes. It is the only diabetes-specific formula in Malaysia with wheat flavour. The new Glucerna® offers a new and improved low glycemic carbohydrate system and four times more of the nutrient myo-inositol to help manage blood sugar; dual fibre and unique lipid blends to help maintain a healthy digestive system; and increased levels of vitamin D, calcium, zinc and iron to help meet the nutritional needs of people with diabetes.

The new Glucerna® 850g is sold at a recommended retail price of RM115.90 at leading pharmacy chains, supermarkets and medicine halls.

For more information on Glucerna®, please visit https://abbottnutrition.com.my/products/glucerna. Connect with Abbott at http://abbott.com.my/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AbbottMommyScoop.

[1] Gonzalez, J., Shreck, E., Psaros, C., & Safren, S. (2015). Distress and type 2 diabetes-treatment adherence: A mediating role for perceived control. Health Psychology, 34(5), 505-513. doi: 10.1037/hea0000131

[2] Fisher, L., Mullan, J., Arean, P., Glasgow, R., Hessler, D., & Masharani, U. (2009). Diabetes Distress but Not Clinical Depression or Depressive Symptoms Is Associated With Glycemic Control in Both Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses. Diabetes Care, 33(1), 23-28. doi: 10.2337/dc09-1238