9 in 10 Malaysians Monitor Glucose - but 40% Don’t Know Their HbA1c

A new survey by Abbott highlights a concerning gap in diabetes awareness among Malaysians. While most individuals living with diabetes are actively monitoring their glucose levels, many lack a clear understanding of long-term control indicators.

According to the survey, 9 in 10 Malaysians with diabetes regularly check their glucose levels. However, nearly 40% do not recall their HbA1c levels, a key measure that reflects average blood glucose over a three-month period and is widely used to assess long-term diabetes control. This disconnect points to a deeper issue. While awareness of self-monitoring is high, understanding of what those numbers mean over time remains limited.

A False Sense of Control

The findings suggest that frequent testing may create a sense of confidence that is not always aligned with actual health outcomes. Among respondents who regularly test their glucose but are unsure of their overall levels, 77% still believe they are managing their diabetes well. This highlights a potential gap between perception and reality. One contributing factor is the continued reliance on traditional finger-prick testing. While useful, these tests provide only a single reading at a specific point in time, without showing how glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day. In contrast, newer technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) offer a more comprehensive view, tracking glucose trends in real time and enabling more informed decision-making.

Diet Awareness Is High, but Challenges Remain

Encouragingly, the survey found that awareness of the relationship between diet and glucose levels is strong. 85% of respondents understand the impact of food on their glucose levels while 50% report reducing carbohydrate intake following diagnosis. Nearly 90% turn to social media for dietary advice. However, managing diet becomes more difficult during certain times of the year. Festive seasons present a particular challenge, with 78% of respondents saying diabetes is easier to manage during non-festive periods, compared to just 39% during festive times. This highlights the importance of practical, culturally relevant guidance that supports individuals in managing their condition in real-life contexts.

The Role of Physical Activity

While medication adherence appears strong, physical activity remains an area for improvement. 7 in 10 respondents report taking medication as prescribed Only 1 in 5 exercise regularly while nearly 80% engage in less than 150 minutes of exercise per week. This aligns with broader national data indicating that sedentary lifestyles remain common in Malaysia, underscoring the need for more emphasis on movement as part of diabetes management.

Trusted Sources of Information

When it comes to managing their condition, most Malaysians turn to healthcare professionals for guidance. 76% rely on doctors, dieticians, or nurses for information. Dieticians are among the most trusted sources after doctors and at the same time, the high reliance on social media for dietary advice suggests an opportunity to strengthen access to reliable, evidence-based information in more accessible formats.

Looking Beyond Numbers

Diabetes management extends beyond individual readings or routines. It requires a broader understanding of how different factors, including diet, physical activity, medication, and emotional well-being, interact over time. The survey also highlights the importance of emotional support. Nearly 80% of respondents report feeling accepted and supported, which can positively influence how individuals manage their condition. As diabetes continues to be a major public health concern in Malaysia, improving awareness of key indicators such as HbA1c, alongside promoting more comprehensive monitoring approaches, will be critical.

Understanding not just the numbers, but what they mean over time, may be one of the most important steps toward better long-term outcomes.