PETALING JAYA: Over 2,000 participants took part in the Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC)’s fifth annual community run ‘Diabetes Dash: Empowering Steps to Wellness’, held today in conjunction with World Diabetes Day to raise awareness about the condition and promote prevention efforts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event gathered a diverse group of individuals – from members of the public, professional runners, and healthcare workers to SJMC staff – who participated in multiple categories, from a three-kilometre (km) fun run to competitive 10 km and 21 km races.
SJMC chief executive officer Bryan Lin stated that events like the Diabetes Dash highlight the critical role of regular exercise and a balanced diet in diabetes prevention. He emphasized that the sense of community plays a vital part in raising awareness and encouraging others to prioritize their health in combating this growing epidemic. Lin further reiterated SJMC’s commitment to preventive healthcare, noting that each participant demonstr
ates a shared responsibility for health and wellbeing, proving that collective efforts can create meaningful change.
Meanwhile, SJMC consultant endocrinologist and Event Committee advisor Dr. Hew Fen Lee stressed the importance of lifestyle modification as the most effective strategy to prevent the progression of diabetes. He recommended reducing daily calorie intake and engaging in regular physical activity, such as running, brisk walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 150 minutes per week.
Diabetes remains a significant health concern in Malaysia, affecting one in six adults, which translates to roughly 3.6 million people or 15.6 percent of the adult population. The figures are projected to rise if the situation is left unaddressed.
Since its inception in 2014, the SJMC Run has served as a key platform to raise diabetes awareness and empower the community to take charge of their health. This year’s event offered participants the chance to compete for cash prizes totaling RM21,600.
In addition to emp
hasizing diabetes prevention and wellness, the run also marked SJMC’s 39th anniversary of delivering healthcare excellence. Notable achievements in the 21 km Men’s Open category included Job Minacho Kamonde claiming victory with a time of 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 18 seconds, while Noor Amelia Musa secured first place in the Women’s Open with a time of 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 41 seconds. The Veteran Men’s and Women’s Open categories saw Mohd Nazri Ahmad and Tiffany Lee take the top spots, respectively. Nikos Tan Lee Onn emerged as the winner of the 10 km Men’s Open, crossing the finish line at 34 minutes, 42 seconds, and Pauline Barbet triumphed in the Women’s Open with a time of 42 minutes, 36 seconds.
At the event, SJMC also donated Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices and glucometers worth RM19,000 to underprivileged diabetics through a non-governmental organization, Action4Diabetes, as a testament to the hospital’s dedication to supporting those in need and helping them manage their condition effect
ively.
SJMC recently received two prestigious awards for its community efforts: the Community Initiative Award at the ACES Awards 2024 and the Community Health Outreach Programme Award at the ESG Business Awards 2024, highlighting its dedication to providing support and care to more communities around SJMC.
For more information on SJMC’s latest initiatives, visit https://subangjayamedicalcentre.com