When we’re young, we often assume our bodies are invincible and safe from life-threatening diseases—until it isn’t anymore.
This was what a 28-year-old Sabahan found out for himself, where his entire world was shaken to its core following a shocking revelation about his health.
Warning signs
Speaking to The Star, Adam Zeno said he noticed himself being constantly thirsty, used the toilet more frequently, and was often tired and sleepy.
“I thought it was because of work. I had a lot on my plate, or I wasn’t getting enough sleep,” he added.
Thinking it was nothing serious, Adam continued with his routine and was working late one night when he suddenly experienced palpitations and had difficulty breathing.
After consulting a doctor at the hospital, Adam was handed the dreaded news: he was suffering from Type 2 diabetes.
‘Why me?’
Following the diagnosis, Adam was so crushed that he cried several times while he was alone and struggled to come to terms with his condition.
I kept asking myself: ‘Why me?’ I always thought diabetes was far away from me.”
However, when he looked into his lifestyle habits and family history, Adam began to understand the factors leading to his diagnosis.
“My mother and grandfather had diabetes. Meanwhile, I had irregular meals, enjoyed sweet food and carbohydrates, exercised little and, after starting my printing business, was often stressed, stayed up late, slept poorly and drank alcohol.
“I used to think that because I was young, it was all right to push myself a little harder. Only when the diagnosis hit, I realised that I was wrong,” he told The Star.
Today, Adam is now working to have his meals regularly, exercise often, get more sleep and monitor his blood glucose closely with help from a nutritionist.
He also advised those like him to not assume their bodies will stay strong forever, adding: “Don’t take health for granted. Sometimes, it is only after we lose something that we realise how precious it is.”
Worrying figures
Diabetes has long been a scourge among Malaysians, with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad revealing that among those aged 30 to 39, an estimated 338,508 had diabetes, with more than six in 10 undiagnosed.
According to Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan, he said younger Malaysians often underestimate their risk levels as they often think diabetes affects mostly older people.
Many feel young and healthy and assume they are not at risk. But these conditions can develop silently, without obvious symptoms, sometimes for years.
“This makes them unaware of their condition until complications start to appear, which by then, the damage might have already been done.”
Dr Sivanaesan also addressed the misconception sugar being the main culprit for type 2 diabetes, explaining that other factors such as genetics, unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity and smoking play a role too.
He called upon young Malaysians to not drag their feet over their health and to have regular blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol checkups.
“Those with a family history of diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, as well as people who are overweight or physically inactive, should discuss their screening needs with a healthcare professional.”
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