Abbott’s #StartsWithYou campaign: Empowering Malaysians to manage diabetes with Glucerna
The movement is a part of the Glucerna Lifestyle Change Programme (GLCP).
Diabetes is still a major health challenge in Malaysia.
In conjunction with November's Diabetes Awareness Month, global healthcare company and multinational medical devices provider Abbott recently initiated a campaign called #StartsWithYou to raise awareness about diabetes while also promoting their product, Glucerna which is uniquely formulated for people with diabetes.
Participants in the campaign are invited to share their personal diabetes journeys with Glucerna, in order to gain the opportunity to receive a free Glucerna Wellness Pack by Abbott.
The movement is a part of the Glucerna Lifestyle Change Programme (GLCP), which, other than conducting the inspiring campaign of stories sharing, also provides education and resources on good nutrition and physical activity that can aid people with diabetes.
Glucerna has been incorporated with a new nutritional formula for diabetics, called the New Ensure Gold which helps to enhance muscle and immune health when consumed, especially helpful for the elderly adults, further building a healthy ageing community.
The campaign has also highlighted a few success stories from those who participated in the four-week lifestyle intervention programme under GLCP, incorporated with good nutrition and physical exercise.
According to Abbott, findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) reveal that an estimated 3.6 million Malaysians—15.6 per cent of the adult population—are living with diabetes.
Many remain unaware of their condition, often due to lack of regular health check-ups, heightening concerns about undiagnosed diabetes in the community.
They further outlined diabetes as the leading disease in heart disease and nerve and kidney damage, which needs to be learnt to be controlled through small lifestyle modifications, further positively impacting their diabetes management and overall health.
Malaysian Abbott's nutrition medical director, Dr Nina Mazera Mohd Said, confirmed the prevalence of diabetes remains high in the country.
"It is important to help individuals adopt healthy habits and strategies to manage their condition," she said.
In endorsing Abbott's Glucerna Lifestyle Change Programme, she reportedly said that many participants have learnt to manage their glucose levels by adopting positive lifestyle changes, including good nutrition and exercise.
"Today, we are happy to showcase some success stories to empower more Malaysians with diabetes to build healthy habits,'' she said during the launch of the #StartsWithUs campaign.
How Taking Control of Diabetes #StartsWithYou
A 39-year-old chef, Ainaa Munirah shared her successful journey in achieving target glucose levels with the help of the Glucerna Lifestyle Change Programme (GLCP).
She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 27 and initially found it challenging to adhere to a healthy and consistent regime, especially when constantly surrounded by sweet temptations at her workplace.
The programme, providing a four-week lifestyle intervention has helped her to stay consistent on the path to better health.
She also said that she had been receiving support from like-minded participants who shared "common goals, challenges and resources" to help manage their diabetes.
"Joining the programme was life-changing. It wasn’t just about controlling my glucose level but also about finding a community of support and making small changes that added up to a big difference," Ainaa said.
Established in 2021, the GLCP comes with a guideline on diabetes management and information on a balanced diet with diabetes-specific nutrition formula, exercise, and the importance of regularly monitoring glucose.
Participants are expected to know how to cope with diabetes burnout and other similar challenges that can derail their commitment to diabetes care in the long term as the outcome of their participation.
Participants will also receive support from a group of trained doctors, dietitians and like-minded participants who share the same goals, challenges, and resources to help them better manage their condition.
Abbott reported that more than 200 adults in Malaysia have so far participated in the programme with their diabetes improved.
Putrajaya Hospital endocrine unit head, Dr Zanariah Hussein said that most Malaysians living with diabetes are found to be obese or overweight hence structured lifestyle interventions, nutritional management, and a robust support system are needed to help improve their weight and condition.
She endorsed GLCP for addressing such objectives by including comprehensive approaches, further enabling "adults to take charge of their health, leading to better outcomes and quality of life."
Meanwhile, a consultant dietician, Indra Balaratnam said that nutrition remains an integral part of managing diabetes for diabetic people.
"Individuals with diabetes need to be aware of their eating habits and make informed choices that incorporate a variety of foods in moderation," she said.
"Whether through meal planning, smart snacking, or cooking at home with natural ingredients, it's important to follow a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins," Indra added.
The importance of diabetes-specific nutrition formula for diabetic patients
Glucerna is a scientifically formulated diabetes-specific nutrition formula made with the GLCP approach.
There have been clinical studies that demonstrated its effectiveness in managing blood glucose levels by providing a steady release of glucose.
Abbott, in reference to research published in Diabetes Care, said that its consistent consumption can maintain glucose levels within the target range up to 90 per cent of the time after just four weeks.
Glucerna's distinctive formulation includes low glycaemic index carbohydrates that help to minimise post-meal spikes, alongside essential nutrients that support one's overall health.
The #StartsWithYou campaign continues to encourage the sharing of personal journeys by Malaysians with diabetes to raise awareness about good diabetes management, with a chance to win their Wellness Pack.
For more information on the campaign, visit Abott or drop a visit on their social media accounts.
