Novo Nordisk, in collaboration with the Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society (MEMS) and Roche, has unveiled the Changing Diabetes® in Children (CDiC) project in Malaysia. This long-term initiative is specifically designed to enhance the quality of care for children and young adults grappling with type 1 diabetes.
As part of this project, youngsters with type 1 diabetes in Malaysia will benefit from complimentary glucose monitoring supplies, marking a significant stride in diabetes management for this demographic.
The launch of CDiC in Malaysia aligns with this year’s World Diabetes Day theme of “Access to Diabetes Care,” aiming to contribute to improved healthcare accessibility.
Type 1 diabetes constitutes the predominant form of childhood diabetes in Malaysia, representing 73%–77% of all cases. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there were 955 reported cases of type 1 diabetes among Malaysian children aged 0–19 years in 2021.
Alarmingly, the misdiagnosis rate for children with type 1 diabetes nationally stands at 38.7%, underscoring the critical need for heightened awareness and improved access to care for pediatric type 1 diabetes.
The CDiC project in Malaysia seeks to address key gaps in diagnosis, promote self-monitoring of blood glucose, enhance patient knowledge, and overcome local healthcare barriers.
The initiative encompasses various components, including educational workshops for patients and caregivers, training healthcare professionals in diagnosis and management, establishing or renovating diabetes resource centers, developing a national registry, conducting research on type 1 diabetes management, and raising public awareness.
The partnership launch, officiated by Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Azman bin Yacob, Director of the Medical Development Division from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, saw the participation of project partners, healthcare professionals in diabetes care, patients with type 1 diabetes, and their caregivers.
The event provided insights into the treatment landscape in Malaysia, the current management of type 1 diabetes, and shared the patient journey and challenges faced.
Dr. Nurain Mohd Noor, President of MEMS and Chair of CDiC project Malaysia, emphasized the urgency of addressing the high misdiagnosis rate, stating, “Initiatives such as ‘Changing Diabetes® in Children’ are important for more timely interventions and improved care. The project will also equip frontliners with knowledge and management skills to help them assist patients with type 1 diabetes.”
Anand Shetty, Corporate Vice President, Business Area South East Asia of Novo Nordisk, highlighted the company’s commitment to driving change and improving the lives of patients with chronic diseases like diabetes. He expressed the aim to create a holistic care system for children and young adults under 25 living with type 1 diabetes in collaboration with CDiC partners in Malaysia.
Bryan Koh, Cluster Head of Asia Pacific Mature Markets, Roche Diabetes Care, reiterated the commitment to enhancing access to essential diabetes care for children and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Malaysia.
He emphasized the collaborative effort with partners to build a sustainable continuum of care, supporting these individuals in their journey to grow up well and fulfill their potential.
