THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2019

WORLD DIABETES DAY

It has to stop
Malaysia is not doing itself any favours with the abundance of sugary foods in the market.
This calls for the public to pay greater attention to how such foods can affect the body.
2 World Diabetes Day
Funny feeling in my foot
“SOMETIMES I feel like I have socks or gloves
on, when I don’t”, “My feet hurt at night”, “I
feel burning or shooting pains in my feet”,
“My feet are numb and I can’t feel my feet
when I’m walking”.
Do these sound familiar to you? People
who experience sensations of tingling, “pins
and needles” or numbness in the feet may
not think too much of them. However, if
these symptoms persist, they may signal a
condition known as neuropathy, or nerve
damage, which could lead to bigger
problems.
Neuropathy refers to a medical condition
where nerves are damaged and is caused
by a variety of reasons including diabetes,
alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition,
infection, cancer, nutritional deficiencies,
exposure to toxins and diseases that cause
chronic inflammation involving the nerves,
as well as other unclear causes.
However, the most prevalent cause of
nerve damage is diabetes, known as diabetic
neuropathy. It happens when nerves or
group of nerves are damaged as a result of
high blood sugar level.
Diabetic foot care
Most people take foot care for granted. To
a diabetic, however, caring for the feet is a
very serious matter that comes with
unfortunate consequences if neglected.
Nerve damage can cause reduced or loss of
sensation in the feet, while sores and small
injuries may go unnoticed and become badly
ulcerated, infected and difficult to heal. The
healing process is also compromised by
poorer circulation in people suffering from
diabetes.
Eventually, amputation of the toe, foot or
even lower leg may be necessary if treatment
is no longer possible. While you may know
that diabetes can lead to amputation, you
Neurobion is clinically tested to nourish the nerve cells, helps improve nerve function and relieve
nerve pain.
may not know that the actual cause of
amputation is nerve damage, which can be
avoided with proper nerve care.
Amputation and foot ulcerations are
common and serious problems among
diabetics. Yet, they can be prevented or
delayed if identified and dealt with early on.
Tight blood sugar control, appropriate
dietary control, proper foot care, regular
exercise and refraining from smoking are
important to prevent or delay neuropathy
and its complications.
How does Neurobion help?
Neurobion is a health supplement that
contains neurotropic vitamins B1, B6 and
B12. Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 play an
important role in the functioning of nerves
and can help recuperate nerve function or
even regenerate damaged nerve fibres, if
the damage has not yet progressed too far.
Vitamin B1 is involved in energy
metabolism, helps in maintaining the myelin
sheath that covers the axon of nerves, and
in the synthesis of key signalling molecules
in the nervous system known as
neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6 is involved in
the synthesis of neurotransmitters (key
signalling molecules in the nervous system).
Vitamin B12 is involved in nerve cell
maturation and regeneration, nerve cell
metabolism and formation of nerve myelin
sheaths.
These three B vitamins have important
functions in nerve health and work together
in biochemical synergy. All three neurotropic
B vitamins are essential to a healthy nervous
system, acting via different modes of action
and complementing each other.
Neurobion is clinically tested to nourish
the nerve cells, helps improve nerve
THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2019
Neuropathy refers to a
medical condition where
nerves are damaged and
is caused by a variety of
reasons including diabetes,
alcohol consumption,
genetic predisposition,
infection, cancer, nutritional
deficiencies, exposure to
toxins and diseases that
cause chronic inflammation
involving the nerves, as well
as other unclear causes.
function and relieve nerve pain. Take
Neurobion today to help your nerves stay
healthy and keep the feeling of tingling and
numbness at bay.
Neurobion has been the market leader of
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12/2017 to MAT 12/2018)
The information contained in this article
is for informational purposes only. For any
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
recommendations, please consult your
healthcare professional.
This is a medicine product advertisement.
KKLIU No.2368/2019. MYS-NEU-1710-0175(1)
THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2019 3
4 World Diabetes Day
Exercise from the
comfort of your home
INACTIVITY promotes type 2 diabetes.
According to a study by Harvard T.H.Chan
School of Public Health, every two hours
you spend watching television instead of
pursuing something more active increases
the chances of you developing diabetes by
14%.
Working your muscles more often and
making them work harder improves their
ability to use insulin and absorb glucose,
which puts less stress on your insulin-
making cells. Findings suggest that walking
briskly for 30 minutes every day can reduce
the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by
30%.
With the NordicTrack C7 treadmill, you
can now exercise in the comfort and
convenience of your own home. With the
Nordictrack C7 Treadmill, turn your living
room into a workout station.
Keep cool on your run with the
Autobreeze Workout Fan and make quick
adjustments to the speed and incline of the
Nordictrack C7 Treadmill through easy-to-
use digital controls. Attach a tablet to the
integrated tablet holder and enjoy your
favorite shows, music, movies and access
your iFIT account for an optimum exercise
experience or choose between the 20 preset
workout apps for a selection of
performance programmes for any fitness
level.
Additional features include:
l Multi-window LED display – View all
your important stats on a multi-window
LED display that shows your heart rate and
distance. See how many calories you burn
with an integrated calorie burn meter.
THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2019
l Space-saver design – The Nordictrack
C7 Treadmill’s design allows you to fold
your machine for ultimate floor space
maximisation. Its telescoping EasyLift shock
assists with the heavy lifting.
l Zero to 20km/h digital OneTouch
speed control – Walk, jog or sprint; this
treadmill accommodates speeds of up to
20km/h. With its OneTouch controls, change
your settings with one button press instead
of scrolling through options.
l Zero to 10% digital OneTouch incline
control – With the touch of a button, you
can quickly adjust your incline anywhere
from between zero and 10% to change your
workout intensity and target specific muscle
groups.
l FlexSelect cushioning – Get the best of
both worlds with the Nordictrack C7
Treadmill’s adjustable FlexSelect
cushioning. One half-turn activates the
double-cushioning isolators to help reduce
impact on your knees and ankles. Another
half turn offers a firm, stable surface, The NordicTrack C7 treadmill comes with a multi-window LED display to help you better monitor
making you feel like you’re running on the your workout.
road.
available at all Fitness Concept outlets promotions above and are only available till
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doesn’t interfere with your workout. Automatic Voltage Stabiliser and a seven- or 03-2282 3200 (Mid Valley store), email
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THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2019
Don’t take diabetic foot lightly
DIABETES patients, because of their
high blood sugar levels, are at risk
of getting diabetic foot. This
condition worsens over time as a
diabetic person’s nerves or blood
vessels get progressively more
damaged. The nerve damage can
lead to loss of feeling in your feet,
which can then lead to ulceration
and infections. In serious cases,
doctors might need to amputate.
Dr Tan Kia Lean, consultant
vascular surgeon at Ara Damansara
Medical Centre, shares that the
latest figures revealed earlier this
year told a grim story. About 2.5
million adult Malaysians have
diabetes. Of this number, 15%
suffer from diabetic foot.
“The only way to prevent
diabetic foot is to manage your
diabetes well,” he says.
Many Malaysians live very
unhealthy lifestyles. With poor food
choices, high consumption of sugar
coupled with a lack of exercise, it is
no wonder Malaysia has the highest
number of diabetic people in Asia.
Dr Tan reminds people to not
underestimate the importance of a
good diet. “It’s not just about the
number on the glucometer. That’s
not the only thing doctors look at.
What we look at is the sugar level
in the body as a whole.”
High sugar levels in the body can
lead to other health issues,
including kidney failure, blindness,
heart problems, angiopathy and
neuropathy.
Be on the look out
Dr Tan advises people with
Not the end of the world
MANY people believe diabetes only
affects adults, but children develop
both type 1 and type 2 diabetes,
too.
Dr Wu Loo Ling, consultant
paediatrician and paediatric
endocrinologist at Subang Jaya
Medical Centre refutes this
misconception, saying, “The
prevalence of type 2 diabetes in
children is increasing, and the
main culprit is unhealthy lifestyle
choices. You now see children
eating more unhealthy food, not
getting enough exercise and
putting on excessive amount of
weight, making themselves
susceptible to develop the disease.”
On the other hand, the cause of
type 1 diabetes is multifactorial.
The interplay of genetic and
environmental factors triggers
auto-antibodies production causing
progressive destruction of insulin-
producing cells in the pancreas.
However, as Dr Wu points out, it
does not mean that a child with a
genetic predisposition of diabetes
will definitely develop the disease,
various factors are needed to
trigger its development.
“Environmental factors such as
an infection can cause the body to
produce auto-antibodies against
the pancreas, resulting in it
becoming smaller and ultimately
producing very little or no insulin
at all,” she explains.
While type 1 diabetes is common
in younger children, type 2 is
increasingly diagnosed in
adolescents and teenagers.
According to Dr Wu, symptoms of
type 1 diabetes is often acute and
dramatic at onset compared to type
2, making it more easily detectable
than the latter.
Diagnosis is done through
People with diabetes need to get their feet checked at least once a year by their clinician or a physician.
diabetes to be extra careful and
always be on the lookout for signs
of diabetic foot. Diabetic patients
need to get their feet checked at
least once a year by their clinician
or a physician. However, on your
own, there are symptoms you
should look out for:
l General loss of feeling
l Numbness or tingling
sensation
l Blisters or other wounds
without pain
l Skin discoloration and
temperature changes
l Red streaks
l Wounds with or without
drainage
l A painful tingling
Dr Wu Loo Ling.
symptom analysis, blood and urine
examinations and oral glucose
tolerance tests.
Can the child have a
normal life?
Treatment for type 1 diabetes is
by external insulin administration
via injections, while type 2 diabetes
requires proper lifestyle
modifications, weight loss and oral
medications.
“Children with diabetes can
certainly lead as normal a life as
any other child, provided the
diabetes is controlled and managed
well. It is crucial for them to lead a
healthy lifestyle with well-planned
diets, regular exercise and carrying
on with treatment as prescribed by
their healthcare professionals,”
says Dr Wu.
She emphasises that family
support is of utmost importance
when it comes to managing
diabetes in children, saying,
“Parents must work together with
their children to adopt a healthy
lifestyle and eating habits as
Dr Tan also urges diabetics to
take everything seriously, even
ulcers. “If you get a small ulcer,
bacteria and germs attracted to the
high glucose levels of your blood
will infect it, and between 40% and
80% of the time, your wound will
get infected. If you are diabetic,
chances your wound will get
infected is very high and the risk is
as high as 40-80%.
“Some infections, such as
peripheral arterial,
microangiopathy and neuropathy,
can cause serious damage to your
foot (peripheral microangiopathy,
neuropathy and infection can
cause serious damage to your foot).
“If you have diabetes and
Healthy eating habits must start at home and include the whole family.
suggested by healthcare
professionals. It should involve
the whole family and not just the
affected child.
One issue faced by parents of
children with diabetes is
hypoglycaemia (low blood
glucose). Because children are
naturally active, many parents
may fear that too much activity
might cause their children’s blood
glucose level to dip dangerously
low, causing parents to either
overfeed their children or stop
them from being active.
Both situations are not ideal, so
Dr Wu suggests that parents need
to check their children’s blood
glucose levels more frequently in
these situations and act
accordingly as what they had
been taught to prevent
dangerously high or low levels.
Frequent blood glucose checking
experience the symptoms of an
infection, you need to seek help
immediately. If it goes untreated, at
times, it can be fatal.”
Prevention is key
Progression of the disease occurs
at a pace that is set by the diabetic
patient.
“If you have good control of your
diabetes, then the progression of
the disease will be slow. However,
if you have poor or no control over
your diabetes, the disease can
progress very fast,” says Dr Tan,
who shares that he has witnessed
patients who have lost not only the
foot but their whole leg in the span
gives a bigger picture on the
trending of glucose throughout the
day and night. Preventative or
remedial measures can be taken
promptly to ensure that the glucose
levels are within optimal limits.
Hence children with diabetes can
exercise safely and do everything
like their peers while keeping their
blood glucose under control.
Continuous blood glucose
monitoring systems are available
nowadays to keep track of your
blood glucose levels continuously.
“There are blood glucose
monitoring patches available that
can help track the blood glucose
levels 24/7. This is particularly
good for children who are scared
of needles and refused frequent
finger-pricking,” she opines.
There are different types and
dosages of insulin as well as oral
medication, it is imperative that
World Diabetes Day 5
Dr Tan Kia Lean.
of mere days.
He also warns against the
misconception that traditional
treatment is better for diabetic
patients. “If you do want to go
through with it, please consult your
physician first and not treat
yourself with off-the-shelf
medication, because sometimes
these medications do cause more
harm than good.”
With diabetic foot, the aim is to
prevent an amputation. Lower-
limb revascularisation is a
treatment that, during the early
stages of the disease, can help a
patient. Dr Tan shares that the
treatment has a success rate of
between 80% and 85%.
“What we want to do is improve
the blood supply to the foot, the
condition of the patient and avoid
amputation,” says Dr Tan.
n For more information, call
03-5639 1212.
parents listen to their healthcare
professionals when it comes to
treating their children.
Dr Wu insists that diabetes does
not stop children from enjoying
their childhood, but shares that in
most instances, the level of
enjoyment a child experiences
comes from the personal care and
involvement of their parents in
their daily living and diabetes
management
She says, “Yes, it can be an
overwhelming thing for parents
when their child is diagnosed with
diabetes, but there are many
support groups here in Malaysia
and it is advisable that parents join
such groups, talk to other parents
and do what is best for their
children.”
n For more information, call
03-5639 1212.
6 World Diabetes Day
Life with the sugar tax
By ROSEMARIE JEREMIAH AND
AINAA AQILAH AMIZUL
DIABETES is a growing concern.
According to National Diabetes
Institute (NADI) executive
chairman Datuk Dr Mustaffa
Embong, Malaysia has the highest
rate of diabetes in Asia and one of
the highest in the world. Malaysia
also has the dubious honour of
having the second highest rate of
child obesity amongst children aged
between five and 19 in the Asean
region, with 7.1% of Malaysian
children under five being
overweight.
These statistics are quite
alarming. At the 10th Diabetes
Complications Conference and
Grand Rounds in July last year, Dr
Mustaffa said, “According to NADI
records, statistics suggest that
almost half of Malaysians do not
know they have diabetes.”
The high consumption of sugar-
filled drinks is among the main
contributors of weight gain and
obesity in Malaysia, as well as
noncommunicable diseases such as
diabetes, heart disease, stroke and
cancer. Keeping this in mind, the
implementation of an excise tax of
40 sen per litre on sugary drinks is
timely and a welcome step in the
right direction.
When the government first
announced the “sugar tax”, there
was apprehension, with many
Malaysians fearing how much
meals would cost should the price of
teh tarik rise. But what is the sugar
tax and does it affect you directly?
The sugar tax, formally known as
the Sugar Sweetened Beverages
(SSB) Tax, was first introduced by
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng
during the tabling of Budget 2019. It
was implemented on July 1 to
combat diabetes and obesity.
However, according to the Royal
Malaysia Customs Department, the
excise duty of 40 sen per litre is only
imposed on manufacturers and
importers of sweetened beverages.
Sugary drinks that contain more
than 5g of sugar or sugar-based
sweeteners, as well as juice and
vegetable-based drinks that contain
more than 12g of sugar per 100ml,
will be charged with the excise duty.
The Customs Department also
clarified that the excise tax will only
be imposed on ready-to-drink
canned and bottled beverages.
Hence, a slight increase in pricing of
beverages that exceed the stipulated
threshold of sugar content set on
manufacturers can be expected.
Beverages excluded from the excise
duty include handmade drinks,
alcoholic beverages, cordials and
unsweetened milk products.
The aim of the sugar tax is to get
manufacturers to research low-sugar
alternatives and compel consumers
into making healthier choices.
Is it enough?
It is too soon to say if the sugar tax
There is no guarantee people will make dietary changes just because
drinks sold in the supermarket have gotten more expensive, but
people still laud it as a step in the right direction.
has had an effect in curbing
obesity and overall sugar
consumption.
At the launch of World Health
Day in April, Health Minister
Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad
clarified that the tax would not
affect drinks prepared and
served at eateries, saying, “At the
moment, we (Health Ministry)
are not regulating those
(eateries).”
This means Malaysians’
favourite drinks, such as teh
tarik and kopi-o, made at
eateries, cafes and kiosks are
excluded from the tax.
In most circumstances, these
drinks, if not ordered as kurang
manis, or without sugar, most of
the time contain sugar content
that is higher than those of
factory-produced beverages. This
only adds on to the pressing
issue of diabetes and obesity that
Malaysia is facing.
Knuckling down
While the Health Ministry and
other related agencies have
welcomed the tax as a step in the
right direction, it may not be
enough to make a difference.
There is no guarantee people
will make dietary changes just
because drinks sold in the
supermarket have gotten more
expensive. Theoretically, it is also
not impossible that people may
look for a sweet fix at eateries
because of the tax exemptions.
Instead, there isn’t any harm
in introducing even stricter
guidelines to further encourage
people to be more concerned
about diabetes.
More than 50 countries
around the world have already
implemented taxes on sugary
drinks and foods to address
obesity especially in children. In
order to combat obesity and high
sugar consumption, our
neighbour, Singapore’s Ministry
of Health, announced two
initiatives that will be
implemented soon – a total ban
on advertisements of drinks with
very high sugar content and all
The Customs Department has clarified that the excise tax will only
be imposed on ready-to-drink canned and bottled beverages.
THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2019
sugary drinks will be required to
display a colour-coded, front-of-
pack nutrition label.
Two further proposals are
being discussed by Singapore,
including an excise duty on all
sugary drinks and an outright
ban on all high-sugar drinks.
This suggestion comes after the
ministry sought public feedback
on measures to fight diabetes.
Singapore Deputy Health
Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said
in a statement earlier this year,
“There is evidence from other
countries, like Mexico, that a
sugar tax actually helped reduce
the consumption of sugar. The
revenue from the tax is used to
help fund school nutrition
programmes for the poor.”
Besides Singapore, Mexico has
also made efforts to combat
diabetes and obesity. Once at the
top of the list of countries with
the highest rates of obesity,
former Mexico president
Enrique Peña Nieto proposed a
10% tax on all soft drinks,
especially carbonated drinks, in
September 2013.
In the same month, soda
companies in Mexico launched a
media campaign to discourage
the Mexican Chamber of
Deputies and its senate from
approving the tax, arguing that
such a measure would not help
combat obesity but will leave
Mexicans working in the sugar
cane industry jobless. However,
the Mexican senate approved a
1 MXN (22 sen) per litre tax on
sodas alongside a 5% tax on junk
food.
Similarly, in India, an
implementation of a 20% tax on
sugary drinks is projected to
reduce obesity by 4.2% and type
2 diabetes by 2.5%. While in
South Africa, sugar taxes are
projected to result in 220,000
fewer obese individuals in the
country.
One may think that these
regulations are absurd but the
obesity epidemic that Malaysia is
currently facing is real. Thus,
drastic precautions are necessary
to deal with drastic issues.
THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2019 World Diabetes Day 7

Join the fight against diabetes

ACCORDING to the World Health
Organization, diabetes is one of the
leading causes of death in the
world. According to the
International Diabetes Foundation,
people with diabetes are between
two and six times more likely to
develop cardiovascular disease,
including heart attacks and stroke,
compared with people without
diabetes.
The onset of diabetes is usually
preceded by poor dietary
adherence and an unhealthy
lifestyle. Excessive consumption of
carbohydrate-rich foods can lead to
weight gain and an increased risk
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and portion control are essential to
achieving positive glycemic
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Clinical trials are also showing
that adopting a high fibre and low-
glycaemic index (GI) diet, with the
inclusion of oat beta-glucans, can
have beneficial effects on blood
glucose control, both in the short
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patients.
Research shows that a slight
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the inclusion of fibre-rich foods
together with other foods
l Consumption of beta-glucan
from oats contributes to the
reduction of the glucose rise after
a meal
such as oat bran, can help regulate
blood glucose levels and lower the
risk of developing diabetes.
Oat beta-glucan, a soluble form of
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Comfort and
safety for your feet
POOR circulation is believed to be
the root cause of numerous
health conditions. Early
indications of poor circulation
start in the hands, feet, or legs.
Common causes of poor
circulation include unhealthy
lifestyle choices, obesity, lack of
exercise and poor nutrition and
diet.
Common health afflictions,
including diabetes, hypertension
(high blood pressure) and high
levels of cholesterol can also
interfere with blood flow and
cause poor circulation.
Thermoskin Walk-On Thermal
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foot conditions, including heel
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circulation issues.
Thermoskin Walk-On was
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management. Thermoskin, which
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global category leader in
orthopaedic support products.
These orthopaedic circulation
slippers are crafted to assist in
the management of diabetes,
arthritis, Raynaud’s syndrome,
cold or sensitive feet and
cramped toes.
The Thermoskin thermal
slippers harness heat from your
body to naturally provide heat
therapy to increase blood flow
to the feet. They are made from
a material that wicks away
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breathability and comfort and
are designed to be worn for long
periods of time, including
around the home and while
you sleep.
Many thermal diabetic
slippers do not fit correctly
and can lose warmth
throughout the day.
Thermoskin thermal slippers
are equipped with pull-up
tabs, making them easy to put
on, and feature a soft-stretch
strip to allow air flow without
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Diabetes patients will
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slippers are designed with
their needs in mind, as they
contain no hard edges that can
cause abrasions and bleeding.
All Thermoskin products
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often cause more harm than
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Thermoskin thermal
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8 World Diabetes Day
Choose the right protein source
PROTEIN is built from building blocks called
amino acids. Good-quality protein contains
all 20 amino acids, including the nine
essential amino acids which our body cannot
produce and must obtain from dietary
sources.
In a 2013 study by Oxford University, it
was found that long-term consumption of
high animal protein (meat) can have
detrimental effects on bone health and
increases the long-term risk of developing
diabetes. Animal protein is laden with
saturated fats and cholesterol, which may
lead to obesity.
Findings of a 2017 study published in the
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology showed that
high intake of animal protein is positively
associated with insulin resistance and can
increase the risk of developing type 2
diabetes.
Plant protein can provide all the essential
amino acids, packaged with plenty of fibre,
when consumed in the right combination,
such as from non-genetically modified soy
and pea. Several studies have shown that the
consumption of plant protein is associated
with lower levels of glucose and reduced risk
of developing diabetes, as plant protein can
improve insulin sensitivity and glucose
metabolism, as shown in a 2017 study
published in the International Journal of
Endocrinology. Additionally, people who
meet daily protein requirements maintained
better bone health compared with people
eating less than the recommended levels.
Calcium is the key nutrient for bone
tissues. However, supplementation with
calcium alone is not enough to maintain
optimal bone density. Several studies have
shown that a combination of calcium with
other nutrients, such as magnesium,
vitamins D3 and K2, significantly improved
bone health, as magnesium and vitamin D3
facilitate the absorption and utilisation of
Biogrow HPF-5 PLUS comes with nine essential amino acids for protein synthesis.
calcium, while vitamin K2 helps improve
bone density by effectively depositing
calcium to bones and teeth for proper
storage. Hence, they all work synergistically
with one another for effective calcium
utilisation and metabolism.
According to the European Food Safety
Authority, vitamin K2 (Menaquinone, MK-7)
is a highly bioavailable form of vitamin K
that helps maintain healthy bones.
Biogrow HPF-5 PLUS is a new-and-
improved formula with a unique blend of
plant protein and digestive fibre, enhanced
with bone health nutrients including
The truth about
synthetic sugars
THERE is no denying that Malaysians have
a sweet tooth. We consume sugar in almost
everything we eat. Even our national drink
– teh tarik – is made from black tea
blended with lots of condensed milk.
Because of our uncontrolled intake of
sugar, 3.6 million Malaysians have
diabetes, the highest rate of incidence in
Asia and one of the highest in the world.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly
Ahmad said that seven million Malaysian
adults will likely have diabetes by 2025, an
alarming trend that will see diabetes
prevalence in 31.3% of adults above 18
years old.
The rising percentage of diabetes
incidence has caused people who are
health conscious to look for alternatives.
While there are sweet alternatives such as
honey and agave nectar, synthetic sugars
is far more prevalent. However, are
synthetic sugars safe?
Possible health benefits
Artificial sweeteners are popular among
people who are trying to lose weight, as
they contain no calories. In contrast, a
teaspoon of sugar contains 16 calories – so
a can of soda with 10 teaspoons of added
sugar contains 160 calories.
Artificial sweeteners also contain no
carbohydrates. Unlike sugar, artificial
sweeteners generally do not raise blood
sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it is
advisable for you to consult with your
doctor or dietician before you start using
any sugar substitutes.
Possible health concerns
Artificial sweeteners have been
scrutinised intensely for decades. Critics
THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2019
Plant protein can provide all
the essential amino acids,
packaged with plenty of
fibre, when consumed in
the right combination, such
as from non-genetically
modified soy and pea. Several
studies have shown that the
consumption of plant protein
is associated with lower levels
of glucose and reduced risk of
developing diabetes.
calcium, magnesium and vitamins D3 and
K2. A scoop of Biogrow HPF-5 PLUS (≈16g)
daily can provide:
l ≥61% of plant protein (non-GMO soy
and pea proteins), complete with nine
essential amino acids for protein synthesis
l Provides a synergistic effect with
magnesium and vitamins D3 and K2 for
better absorption, retention, utilisation and
deposition of calcium
l Contains more than 18% of digestive
fibre to regulate bowel movement
l Contains no added sugar and cholesterol
and is lactose-free
l Suitable for all ages, including diabetic
patients and people with lactose intolerance.
This article is provided by Legosan
(Malaysia).
n For more information, call 03-7956 2220
or email info@biogrow.com.my
of artificial sweeteners say these products
cause a variety of health problems,
including cancer.
However, the United States’ National
Cancer Institute and other health agencies
have debunked these claims, saying there
is no sound scientific evidence that any
artificial sweeteners approved for use in
the US cause cancer or any major health
problems. Numerous studies have also
confirmed that artificial sweeteners are
safe to consume in limited quantities, even
for pregnant women.
Aspartame, one of many artificial
sweeteners, has had its share of critics,
who blame the sweetener for causing
everything from brain tumours to chronic
fatigue syndrome. However, the claim was
quickly debunked.
The only people who cannot consume
aspartame because of medical problems
are those with a genetic condition known
as phenylketonuria (PKU), an amino acid
metabolism disorder. Individuals with PKU
needs to keep their phenylalanine levels in
the blood low to prevent intellectual
disability as well as neurological,
behavioural and dermatological problems.
Since phenylalanine is one of two amino
acids in aspartame, it is advisable for
individuals suffering from PKU not to use
the artificial sweetener.
Generally speaking, the use of artificial
sweeteners is deemed safe. However, some
individuals may have adverse effects after
consuming artificial sweeteners, even
though they are safe and well tolerated by
most people.
Negative effects vary among individuals
and depends on the type of artificial
sweetener consumed. Consult your doctor
to know if you can include artificial
sweeteners in your diet.