Diabetes is Creeping Up on Young Malaysians—Sun Life Wants to Stop It in Its Tracks
Here’s a hard truth: one in three Malaysians is at risk of diabetes. What’s even scarier? The disease isn’t just creeping up on older generations—it’s showing up earlier and earlier, with young adults in their 20s unknowingly standing right on the edge.
That’s where Sun Life Malaysia steps in. The life insurance and takaful company has just rolled out its sixth annual nationwide Blood Glucose Screening Programme, and it’s not doing it alone. This year, the campaign is backed by a heavy-hitting lineup of partners—BookDoc, Health Lane Family Pharmacy, Roche Diagnostics Malaysia, and MOG Eyewear Malaysia—to make early detection and prevention impossible to ignore.
From now until October 2025, screenings will run across 228 locations nationwide. Think of it as a nationwide wake-up call: get checked, get educated, and if needed, start making changes before diabetes locks you into its grip.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Last year’s data paints a worrying picture. Out of 5,190 people screened, almost a third had elevated blood sugar levels. The breakdown? 16% were in the pre-diabetic range, while 14% were already in diabetic territory.
But the real shocker? Youth stats. 25% of those flagged were between 18 and 40 years old, and within that group, a staggering 84% of young adults aged 18–29 didn’t even know they were at risk. Even more alarming, 15% of those aged 18–20 already fell into pre-diabetic or diabetic ranges.
This isn’t just a health scare; it’s a generational crisis in the making.
Building a Healthier Nation, One Screening at a Time
“Diabetes is rising at an alarming rate, especially among younger populations,” says Ho Teck Seng, President and Country Head of Sun Life Malaysia. “We are proud to collaborate with our partners to empower Malaysians with the tools and knowledge to take control of their health. This programme is a direct way we create an impact by helping more Malaysians understand and mitigate the risks of developing diabetes, preventing it from onset, thereby reducing the strain on our healthcare system and promoting a healthier nation.”
Since it first launched in 2019, the programme has screened more than 35,000 Malaysians, proving it’s more than just a campaign—it’s becoming a cornerstone of diabetes prevention nationwide.
Meet the Partners Changing the Game
Health Lane Family Pharmacy is once again on the frontlines, offering free health services and consultations at all 228 outlets. “We are committed to empowering our community with the knowledge and tools for early diabetes detection and effective care,” says Yuen Lai Yan, Head of Marketing at Health Lane. “Because at Health Lane, Great Health Begins Here.”
Roche Diagnostics Malaysia is making things easier for those who need to keep an eye on their blood sugar daily. Anyone purchasing the Accu-Chek® Guide Me Kit at Health Lane during the campaign gets a RM10.00 discount. “We understand the daily challenges of managing this condition,” says Hoi Soon Chor, Head of Integrated Solutions at Roche Diagnostics Malaysia. “Our goal is to empower individuals to take control of their health so they can focus on what truly matters.”
MOG Eyewear Malaysia is tackling another overlooked issue: vision loss, a preventable complication of diabetes. At 42 outlets, Malaysians can access free eye health checks, including its signature 6-in-1 Vision Experience (worth RM350.00). “Through this initiative, we’re offering not just eye care but peace of mind,” says Cammi Ng, Head of Brand & Digital Development at MOG.
BookDoc is throwing in a digital lifeline. Anyone who completes a blood glucose test gets access to its three-month digital health coaching programme (worth RM150.00). Last year, 530 participants signed up—and the results spoke volumes. Half saw improved blood glucose levels, while 80% of overweight participants lost weight. “Our three-month programme provides personalised support from qualified dietitians to empower individuals to build sustainable lifestyle habits,” explains Reuben Poh, CEO of BookDoc.
Why This Matters Right Now
Diabetes isn’t some far-off risk reserved for your parents’ generation. It’s here, it’s affecting young Malaysians in real time, and the only way to fight it is by getting ahead of it. Free screenings, digital coaching, vision checks, and accessible tools mean there are fewer excuses to ignore the warning signs.
The clock is ticking—but so is this campaign. To find out where to get screened, visit slmscreening.bookdoc.com.
