Medical emergency? Call 999 · from mobile, 112 Serving Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
HealthcareDirectory.my
Heart & diabetes · 3 min read

Most young Malaysians with diabetes or high blood pressure don’t know it

Diabetes and high blood pressure rarely cause symptoms in the early years. New figures shared in Parliament show most young adults who have them have no idea, and a few simple checks can change that.

Written by
HealthcareDirectory.my Editorial Team
Published
Hands using a glucometer to check blood sugar
Hands using a glucometer to check blood sugar · Photo: Pixabay
Key points
  • Over 80% of adults aged 18–29 with diabetes or high blood pressure are undiagnosed (NHMS 2023, cited in Parliament on 6 October 2026).
  • Nationally, 15.6% of adults have diabetes and 29.2% have high blood pressure.
  • A blood pressure reading, a blood sugar test and a cholesterol test can pick up most problems early.
  • PERKESO contributors aged 40–59 can get free screening through the SEHATi app.

What the new figures show

On 6 October 2026, the Health Minister told Parliament that, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, more than 80% of adults aged 18 to 29 who have diabetes or high blood pressure do not know it. That is about 192,000 young adults with diabetes and 340,000 with hypertension.

The picture is only slightly better among people in their 30s: around 60% of those with diabetes and over 70% of those with hypertension are undiagnosed. Diabetes is also showing up earlier. By June 2026, 660 new cases had been registered among people under 30, after 1,932 in the whole of 2025.

The bigger picture

Condition (adults, NHMS 2023)PrevalenceUndiagnosed
Diabetes15.6% (about 3.6 million)5.9% of adults
High blood pressure29.2% (about 6.7 million)11.9% of adults
High cholesterol33.3% (about 7.5 million)18.1% of adults
Overweight or obese54.4%–

Left unchecked for years, these conditions quietly raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and eye problems. Ischaemic heart disease alone caused 17,421 deaths in Malaysia in 2024.

Why it goes unnoticed

High blood pressure and early type 2 diabetes usually cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear (thirst, passing more urine, tiredness, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds), the condition has often been there for some time. You may be at higher risk if you:

  • Are overweight, especially around the waist
  • Have a parent or sibling with diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Had diabetes in pregnancy
  • Smoke, sleep poorly, or sit for most of the day
  • Drink sweet drinks most days

Three simple checks

  • Blood pressure: takes two minutes at any clinic or pharmacy. You can also check it at home.
  • Blood sugar: an HbA1c or fasting glucose blood test.
  • Cholesterol: a lipid profile blood test, often done at the same time.

Your doctor will also look at your weight and waist size. If your results are borderline, small changes now can keep them from rising.

A blood pressure monitor on a desk beside a notebook

How to get screened for free

  • PERKESO Health Screening Programme 2026: for Malaysians aged 40–59 who are active contributors (at least 12 months of contributions). Book through the SEHATi app. It covers blood count, HbA1c, lipid profile, urine test, a physical exam and a doctor consultation, plus a Pap smear and mammogram for women.
  • PeKa B40: free health screening for eligible lower-income Malaysians aged 40 and over.
  • Klinik kesihatan: government health clinics offer blood pressure and blood sugar checks at low cost.

Under 40 and not eligible? A basic check at a private GP clinic is still quick and affordable, and well worth doing.

Small habits that help

  • Order kurang manis or kosong, and swap one sweet drink a day for plain water.
  • Walk for 30 minutes on most days. Two 15-minute walks count too.
  • Add more ulam and vegetables to your plate.
  • Aim for seven hours of sleep.
  • If you smoke, ask your doctor about help to quit.

Where to get checked in Kuala Lumpur

Any GP clinic can assess you and arrange tests or referrals. Our Kuala Lumpur clinic directory lists opening hours, phone numbers and directions as clinics are added.

Browse the clinic directory

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

The only way to know is to measure it. Most people with high blood pressure feel completely well.

Who can get PERKESO’s free health screening?

Malaysians aged 40–59 who are active PERKESO contributors with at least 12 months of contributions. Book through the SEHATi app and check the latest eligibility there.

Which blood test checks for diabetes?

Usually an HbA1c test, which reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months, or a fasting blood glucose test.

Sources
  1. Healthcare Asia — More than 80% of young Malaysians with diabetes and hypertension unaware (7 Oct 2026)
  2. The Sun — 660 new diabetes cases among youth in first half of 2026 (16 Jul 2026)
  3. Institute for Public Health — NHMS 2023 fact sheet
  4. CodeBlue — Over two million adults live with three NCDs: NHMS 2023 (May 2024)
  5. PERKESO SEHATi — Health screening programme
This article is for general awareness and does not replace advice from a registered medical practitioner. In an emergency, call 999.

Keep reading

All articles →