When one person has diabetes, the whole family feels it

A 33-year-old man who had recently married discovered he had diabetes during a routine company health screening. His blood sugar levels had been normal just a year or two earlier, making the diagnosis all the more unexpected.

But when he visited consultant endocrinologist and internal medicine physician Dr Kang Waye Huan with his wife, there was reason to be hopeful. The condition had been caught early, and with some lifestyle changes, it could potentially be reversed.

“I encouraged his wife to make healthier food choices at home. I also encouraged her to engage him in physical activities. Instead of watching television after dinner, they could go for walks together. On weekends, they could take up sports or other activities they both enjoy,” Kang recounted.

The couple took his advice. The husband lost a significant amount of weight, his diabetes became well controlled, and both were happy with their new lifestyle.

For Kang, this is an example of why family support can make such a difference in managing diabetes.

“One of the main barriers I see among patients is a lack of motivation. Managing diabetes isn’t easy because it requires lifelong lifestyle changes. Having a supportive family can make it easier for patients to adjust and stay motivated,” said Kang.

This is particularly important in Malaysia, where diabetes has become a growing public health concern. Kang points to the National Health and Morbidity Survey, which indicates that one in five Malaysians has diabetes, although he believes the actual figure could be higher as so many remain undiagnosed.

“Diabetes is largely asymptomatic, so you may not know you have it unless you go for a screening,” he said.

The condition develops when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot respond effectively to it, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Left uncontrolled, it can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

“Diabetes can be very insidious. Your blood sugar levels may gradually worsen without you experiencing any symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the condition may already be severe, or complications may have developed,” Kang explained.

Yet the consequences extend beyond the patient’s health. As the condition progresses, families may have to contend with medical expenses, hospital visits and the demands of caring for an unwell family member.

“When a patient becomes ill, family members have to take on caregiving responsibilities while juggling their own work and personal commitments. This can lead to caregiver burnout and, sometimes, arguments that affect family dynamics,” Kang pointed out.

There is also the emotional toll on patients themselves. “One thing doctors sometimes overlook is that a significant number of people with diabetes experience depression,” Kang admitted.

“Family members may be able to pick up on changes early. For instance, they may notice that their husband has become unusually quiet, lost interest in work or no longer enjoys his usual hobbies.”

He advises families to pay attention to such changes, talk to their loved ones and seek professional help if necessary.

He also believes healthier habits are easier to sustain when the whole household embraces them. Families can exercise together, make healthier food choices and encourage one another without making the person with diabetes feel singled out.

For those who have just received a diagnosis, Kang offers reassurance that life need not come to a standstill.

“If diabetes is managed properly, you can still live an almost normal life. You can enjoy your favourite snacks, desserts and sweets, although perhaps not as frequently or in the same quantities as before,” said Kang.

For World Diabetes Day, his message to Malaysians is to take action before symptoms appear.

“If you think you are at high risk of developing diabetes, please act early and get screened. If diabetes is detected early, there is a possibility of reversing it through proper management. Otherwise, we can at least control the condition and prevent complications,” said Tay.

Because, as his young patient’s experience demonstrates, managing diabetes need not be a journey undertaken alone. Sometimes, having someone beside you can make all the difference.

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