Diet is key to managing diabetes and no, it doesn’t have to be expensive

The myth that a healthy lifestyle is costly deters many from adopting better habits.

But experts are challenging this misconception, arguing that embracing healthier choices doesn’t have to break the bank and, in fact, could be a game-changer for managing diabetes.

Malaysia faces a daunting diabetes epidemic, with over 56 per cent of diabetic patients struggling to control their condition effectively. This alarming figure highlights the urgency of lifestyle interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Dr Aizuniza Abdullah, Senior Assistant Director of the Disease Control Division at Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, advocates that achieving health goals can be budget-friendly.

From left: Alpro Pharmacy Chief Pharmacist and Engagement Director Ph Lim En Ni, Consultant Endocrinologist, Diabetologist and Physician Dr Chooi Kheng Chiew, Alpro Pharmacy Researcher and Professional Care and Development Manager Dt Chua Kai Jia, Council Member of the Malaysian Dietitians’ Association Dt Basmawati Baharom, Health Ministry Disease Control Division Senior Assistant Director Dr Aizuniza Abdullah; Alpro Pharmacy Chief Dietitian Dt Jayne Luah and moderator Theresa Lam after sharing insights and strategies to enhance diabetes care and improve patient outcomes during the panel discussion on "Innovations in Diabetes Care and Management."

Through the “Jimat Wang, Jimat Kalori” (Save Money, Save Calories) initiative at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), she has helped patients make meaningful changes.

Instead of deep-frying, Dr Aizuniza suggests air-frying or baking, which trims both calories and expenses on cooking oil. “You just bake or air fry, and this way, it saves your money on oil.

"When I practiced this at HKL with my patients, we did not fry our chicken with oil anymore and saved about five to 10 kg of oil, which is about 200 ml of oil per day,” she explained.

It is not expensive to afford a healthy lifestyle. Illustrative photo by Canva

Even in vegetable dishes, Dr Aizuniza advocates reducing oil. Growing up in Negeri Sembilan, she observed how traditional recipes, like masak lemak cili api (spicy coconut milk curry), rely on coconut milk.

“We try to use only one coconut, or half of it, and this saves so much money on coconuts and resources in general,” she added, showing how a little restraint can add up.

Alpro Pharmacy chief dietitian Dr Jayne Luah highlighted Malaysia’s diabetes crisis, with one in six adults affected, stressing that it’s high time for action.

From left: Alpro Pharmacy Researcher & Professional Care and Development Manager Dt Chua Kai Jia, Council Member of Malaysian Dietitians’ Association Dt Basmawati Baharom, Alpro Pharmacy Chief Pharmacist & Engagement Director Ph Lim En Ni, Alpro Pharmacy Chief Dietitian Dt Jayne Luah, officially launched the LowCarb Flaxseed Oat Sourdough and Easy-Portion Bowl as part of the RM1 Blood Glucose Check campaign.

She said the government has already allocated over RM4 billion to diabetes care, working to reduce diabetes by 15 per cent by 2025 through awareness campaigns and regulations on sugar-sweetened beverages.

"Our government has shared that there is a movement and national commitment in promoting a healthy lifestyle," she noted, pointing to efforts to support healthier living for all.

At a recent event launching two diabetes-friendly products, Dr Luah emphasised the critical role of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) in diabetes management, which research shows leads to better outcomes than relying on medication alone.

She called for a healthier Malaysia, encouraging all—especially those with diabetes—to embrace wellness.

The event showcased the Easy-Portion Bowl and Low-Carb Flaxseed Oat Sourdough, designed to support balanced, diabetes-friendly diets.