Assessing Diabetes Screening Outcomes in Klang Valley, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Gauri Krishnaswamy Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, Jalan SP 2, Bandar Saujana Putra, 42610 Jenjarom, Selangor, MALAYSIA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6546-977X
  • Reshma Mohamed Ansari Department of Medical Education, Management and Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga, Section 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, MALAYSIA
  • Jing Hang Ng Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, Jalan SP 2, Bandar Saujana Putra, 42610 Jenjarom, Selangor, MALAYSIA
  • Chen Yekun Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, Jalan SP 2, Bandar Saujana Putra, 42610 Jenjarom, Selangor, MALAYSIA https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9236-5546

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22452/mjs.vol44sp1.3

Keywords:

health screening, diabetes, prevalence

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, once primarily affecting the elderly, is now increasingly diagnosed in younger individuals due to poor lifestyle habits. Early detection through health screening is essential for effective management. A government agency that has conducted diabetes screening programs since 2013 launched its third initiative, aiming for an 80% detection rate among screened participants using HbA1c (cutoff ≥ 6.3%), rather than reflecting national diabetes prevalence. This cross-sectional study evaluated the program’s effectiveness in detecting diabetes among Malaysian adults aged 40 to 59 in Klang Valley. A total of 188 participants attended free screenings at registered clinics between September and December 2023. The cohort included 47.35% men and 52.65% women, with 41.5% Malays, 40.4% Chinese, 14.4% Indians, and 3.7% from other ethnic groups. HbA1c levels ≥ 6.3% were found in 27.12% of participants, with the highest prevalence among Indians (33.3%), followed by Malays (29%), Chinese (23.68%), and others (14.28%). Statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed no significant association between HbA1c levels and age, gender, or ethnicity (p = 0.188). The program did not meet its 80% detection target, suggesting that alternative screening approaches, including revised diagnostic criteria or additional risk assessments, may be needed to improve diabetes detection and intervention efforts.

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Published

12-12-2025

How to Cite

Gauri Krishnaswamy, Reshma Mohamed Ansari, Jing Hang Ng, & Chen Yekun. (2025). Assessing Diabetes Screening Outcomes in Klang Valley, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Malaysian Journal of Science (MJS), 44(sp1), 19–24. https://doi.org/10.22452/mjs.vol44sp1.3

Issue

Vol. 44 No. sp1 (2025): Special Issue: MAHSA International Medical Sciences and Technology Conference (Mi-Med) 2024

Section

Special Issue - Mi-Med 2024

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