You Might Have Pre-Diabetes... and Not Even Know It

You Might Have Pre-Diabetes… and Not Even Know It

By Alpro Pharmacy

May 16, 2025

Pre-Diabetes: A Turning Point for Your Health

Diabetes is becoming a big problem in Malaysia, affecting younger people more than ever. According to NHMS 2023, 84% of young adults with diabetes don’t even know they have it! One major reason? The rise of viral food trends and the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), which encourage unhealthy eating habits.

The big question: If you catch pre-diabetes early, can you turn things around? As a dietitian, I’ve seen firsthand how small lifestyle changes can make a big impact.

A Wake-Up Call: Mr. T’s Journey

Meet Mr. T, a hardworking business owner who never paid much attention to his health. At his wife’s urging, he came in for a routine blood sugar check. The result? A shocking 10.1 mmol/L fasting blood sugar—well above normal! Yet, he felt fine and never suspected a thing. A full blood test confirmed he was in the pre-diabetes stage.

Like many busy individuals, Mr. T often skipped meals, overate at lunch, and had late-night dinners. He thought regular health check-ups would take up too much time and money. But ignoring his health could have cost him much more.

Small Changes, Big Impact

To help Mr. T take control of his health, we made simple, practical changes together:

Eat on a schedule: Skipping meals leads to blood sugar spikes and crashes. We set a routine where he eats small, balanced meals every 3–4 hours to keep his energy and blood sugar stable.
Balance carbohydrates (carbs), protein, and fiber: Instead of cutting carbs completely, he learned to pair them with protein and fiber to slow sugar absorption and keep him full longer together with a proper carbs distribution throughout the day.
Stay active in simple ways: With a packed schedule, long gym sessions weren’t practical. Instead, he made small changes like walking while taking calls, using stairs instead of elevators, and stretching during breaks.
Regular tracking and support: One powerful step he committed to was regular blood sugar monitoring. It helped him understand his body better, and I stepped in with guidance when needed.

The Transformation: A Healthier, Happier Mr. T

After six months of mindful eating and regular monitoring, Mr. T gradually lost weight and saw meaningful progress. Rather than following strict diets, he focused on balanced meals and sustainable habits. Over time, his blood sugar stabilised, his energy returned, cravings lessened, and he felt healthier overall.

His story shows that pre-diabetes doesn’t have to lead to diabetes—with the right approach, you can take control of your health.

Take the First Step Today

Start by getting your free HbA1c test at your nearest Alpro Pharmacy. Knowing your blood sugar level is the first step to taking control of your health.

If your result shows you’re pre-diabetic, join the Alpro Stand Against Pre-diabetes (ASAP) Initiative and get the support you need from our expert team. Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) for 1 month to gain real-time insights into how your daily habits impact your blood sugar.

Get your FREE HbA1c test at the nearest Alpro Pharmacy now – limited tests available!

References

Chai, Y., Liu, Y., Yang, R., Kuang, M., Qiu, J., & Zou, Y. (2022). Association of body mass index with risk of prediabetes in Chinese adults: A population-based cohort study. Journal of diabetes investigation, 13(7), 1235–1244. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdi.13783
Gupta S, Bansal S (2021) Correction: Does a rise in BMI cause an increased risk of diabetes?: Evidence from India. PLoS ONE 16(2): e0247537. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0247537
Liu, Y., Jiang, H., Luo, L. et al. Relationship between four visceral obesity indices and prediabetes and diabetes: a cross-sectional study in Dalian, China. BMC Endocr Disord 24, 191 (2024).
Institute for Public Health Malaysia (2023). National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023.
Ehrhardt, N., & Al Zaghal, E. (2020). Continuous Glucose Monitoring As a Behavior Modification Tool. Clinical diabetes : a publication of the American Diabetes Association, 38(2), 126–131. https://doi.org/10.2337/cd19-0037