1-In-10 People With Prediabetes Are Likely To Develop Type 2 Diabetes In A Year
Don’t let this happen to you – take the first step in prevention by getting a finger prick test!
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 APRIL 2025 – Prediabetes is a growing health concern affecting an estimated 1-in-4 Malaysian adults[1], with most remaining unaware, due to the lack of symptoms. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2021, approximately 3.5 million (15.5%) of Malaysian adults have impaired glucose tolerance, indicating the presence of prediabetes.
To address this issue, the Stand Against Prediabetes (SAPd) Programme was established by the Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society (MEMS) in collaboration with seven other medical and allied health societies, with support from Merck Malaysia. Following this, a nationwide community pharmacy prediabetes screening was launched under the ‘Check, Confirm, Consult, Change’ campaign. This effort is further strengthened with support from Roche Diagnostics, enhancing its reach and impact.
Currently, 735 pharmacies across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak are participating in this screening initiative. These include Alpro Pharmacy, AM PM Pharmacy, BIG Pharmacy, FirstCare Pharmacy, Health Lane Pharmacy, HTM Pharmacy, Mega Kulim Pharmacy, Farmasi Murni, Pure Pharmacy, Straits Pharmacy, Sunlight Pharmacy, and Vision Pharmacy.
According to Emeritus Professor Dr Chan Siew Pheng, Chairperson of SAPd, “Prediabetes is defined as having high blood glucose level but not high enough to be considered as having type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, this intermediate phase puts an individual at high risk of developing it eventually.
“Research shows that 1-in-10 people with prediabetes progressed to type 2 diabetes within a year[2], while up to over a 10-year period, a staggering 7-in-10 may end up developing diabetes[3]”, she elaborated. More research found that ignoring prediabetes can also lead to other serious complications such as cardiovascular disease3, vision loss[4], nerve damage[5], and chronic kidney disease[6].
Prof Dr Chan, who is a senior consultant endocrinologist, added, “This can be prevented with early detection and lifestyle intervention as well as medication, if necessary. You can easily check your risk level by using the SAPd’s online risk checker at https://standagainstprediabetes.my/check-your-risk.
Otherwise, visit a pharmacy for a simple finger prick test to check if your blood glucose level is elevated i.e. ≥5.6 mmol/L (fasted) or ≥7.8 mmol/L (random)”.
So far, over 65,000 individuals have undergone a finger prick blood glucose test at the participating pharmacies. Among those tested, more than 14,000 individuals were found to have abnormally high blood glucose levels.
Prof Dr Chan highlighted that although a finger prick test is convenient in informing your risk, it cannot diagnose prediabetes. “If you find that your blood glucose level is high, the next step is to undergo a proper blood test – a HbA1c or a fasting plasma glucose test, which can be arranged through your doctor or a diagnostic lab, to confirm if you have prediabetes,” she said, adding that working closely with your doctor is important in reclaiming your health.
“If your blood test results indicate a prediabetes diagnosis, it is vital to consult with your doctor. They can guide you through your specific needs to manage your condition and bring back your blood glucose level to normal. Regular follow-ups will help track your progress and provide the encouragement needed to stay on course towards better health”, Prof Dr Chan emphasised.
| Test | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
| HbA1c | <5.7%
<39 mmol/mol |
5.7%–6.2%
39–44 mmol/mol |
≥6.3%
≥45 mmol/mol |
| Fasting Plasma Glucose | <3.9–6.0 mmol/L | 6.1–6.9 mmol/L | ≥7.0 mmol/L |
| Oral Glucose Tolerance Test | <3.9–7.7 mmol/L | 7.8–11.0 mmol/L | ≥11.1 mmol/L |
Table 1: Blood glucose level values based on different blood tests3
This prediabetes screening campaign will continue until June 2025. Grab this opportunity to take charge of your health today! Check your blood glucose levels and make informed decisions to reduce your risk of serious heart, kidney and nerve complications.
[1] Institute for Public Health (IPH), National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia. 2020. National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019
[2] Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. N Engl J Med. 2002. 346;6:393-403
[3] Ministry of Health Malaysia. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (6th edition) 2020
[4] Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. Diabet Med. 2007 Feb;24(2):137-44.
[5] Brannick, et al. Experimental Biology and Medicine 2016. 241: 1323–1331.c
[6] Nathan, D. M., Davidson, M. B., DeFronzo, R. A., Heine, R. J., Henry, R. R., Pratley, R., Zinman, B., & American Diabetes Association (2007). Impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance: implications for care. Diabetes care, 30(3), 753–759. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc07-9920
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