Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed in Malaysian Children as Young as 14

A worrying trend has emerged in Malaysia, with Type 2 diabetes, once predominantly an adult disease, now being diagnosed in children as young as 14. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad voiced significant concern over this development, highlighting it as evidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increasingly affecting the younger population.

The minister attributed this shift to a rise in risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar levels among youth. "We are seeing individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at ages as young as 14. This is very worrying," he stated in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to a question about the latest statistics on NCDs, particularly diabetes and hypertension, in individuals under 30.

Findings from the 2025 National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI) further illuminate the issue. The screening revealed that a large proportion of young adults aged 18 to 30 are unaware of their NCD risks. Out of 347,813 individuals screened in this age group, 341,257 (98%) had no prior history of NCDs, indicating a lack of awareness. Alarmingly, 11,751 (3.4%) were identified with high blood glucose levels, and among those, approximately 9,000 were found to have diabetes. Additionally, 30,170 (88%) had high blood pressure readings.

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We are seeing individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at ages as young as 14. This is very worrying.