Holistic approach to diabetes care

IN A significant move to combat diabetes, Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) held an event in conjunction with World Diabetes Day 2023.

The initiative was to recognise the challenges faced by millions of diabetes patients worldwide even a century after the groundbreaking discovery of insulin.

At the “Beyond Sugar: Fight the Sweet Fight” event, SMC Sunway City chief executive officer Dr Seow Vei Ken reaffirmed SMC’s commitment to promoting accessibility to essential diabetes treatments.

“As a healthcare provider, SMC will continue to advocate for the medicine, technologies and care to be available and accessible.

“Together, we can bridge the gaps in diabetes care, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that diabetes care is a reality, not a privilege,” said Dr Seow during the event at SunMed Convention Centre in Selangor.

As the largest private quaternary hospital in Malaysia, SMC has a Diabetes Care Centre – a dedicated Centre of Excellence established in alignment with the hospital’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care and services for its diabetic patients.

Dr Seow speaking on SMC’s mission to advocate for medicine and technologies to be accessible to diabetes patients.

SMC, which turned 24 years old in November, employs a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to deliver optimal treatment for diabetes patients.

“Our multidisciplinary team of specialists and sub-specialists serves patients at the Wound Care Centre, Rehabilitation Centre and the Renal & Dialysis Centre. They also offer advice on nutrition.

“Together, we strive to empower our diabetes patients to achieve and maintain optimal control over their condition.

“The aim is to help them live a life that’s as normal as possible,” said Dr Seow.

In a world where one in 10 adults is affected by diabetes, it is crucial for the public to be informed about the disease.

Neglect and delays in diabetes management can lead to severe complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure and blindness.

However, with the correct treatment and support, many of these complications can be avoided.