Alarming Rise Of Prediabetes And Diabetes Among Young Malaysians, Study Finds
Diabetes is no longer a disease of older adults as a recent nationwide screening shows nearly one in five Malaysians aged 18 to 40 now have elevated blood sugar levels, signalling prediabetes or diabetes.
The 2025 Blood Glucose Screening Programme, conducted by Sun Life Malaysia from August to October with 5,373 participants, found that 32.1% of Malaysians had elevated blood glucose. While most cases remain among those over 41, the surge among younger adults is alarming, highlighting poor lifestyle habits as key drivers.
According to the results from the study, over half of the participants consume sweetened beverages three or more times per week, and 76% report exercising less than three times a week. Daily physical activity and reduced sugar intake were strongly linked to normal blood sugar levels.
Making matters worse, many Malaysians are unprepared for long-term diabetes care as 71% of those with elevated blood sugar expect to cover treatment costs via personal savings or family support, while only 18% rely on insurance or takaful.
As such, Sun Life Malaysia President Ho Teck Seng emphasised that the findings underscore the urgent need for targeted screening, lifestyle interventions and financial planning among younger Malaysians to curb the growing diabetes epidemic.
