Latest news with #prediabetes
Medscape
8 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
New Guidelines Shift Diabetes Care Toward Behavior
New guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes include tools clinicians can use to help patients stick to lifestyle interventions. The guidelines, released on June 10 by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), largely mirror lifestyle guidelines by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) but add specifics about how clinicians can help patients achieve their goals. A panel of practitioners working in lifestyle medicine, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, endocrinologists, sleep experts, dietitians, and exercise medicine specialists, laid out six areas clinicians should help patients manage. These include sleep and stress, nutrition, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol, and social connection. The new guidelines are intended to 'enhance some of the health behaviors that are recommended by all of the leading authorities and medical societies,' said Mahima Gulati, MD, an endocrinologist and visiting associate professor of medicine at the University of Connecticut in Farmington, Connecticut. Each patient should still receive tailored counseling, which may include medication, Gulati said. 'Lifestyle interventions are the foundation of diabetes and prediabetes no matter what,' said Nestoras Mathioudakis, MD, co-medical director of the Diabetes Prevention & Education Program at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, who was not involved with the new guidelines. 'Whether we jump to medications depends on how far off from the goal they are, but doctors should never diagnose someone with diabetes or prediabetes and say, 'Keep doing what you're doing, and just here's some medication.'' Mathioudakis said the recommendation of using SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals allows patients to work with their care providers to set achievable milestones that can be reevaluated during visits. 'We have to be careful not to overwhelm people,' Mathioudakis said. 'I have found with my patients that when I do this counseling, setting small achievable goals at each visit and building as we go is more effective than bombarding them with everything.' Gulati and her team broke their recommendations into two groups. 'Strong' recommendations were backed by high-quality scientific evidence, while other recommendations lacked the same level of robust supportive data. The strong recommendations include: Identify and refer patients with suspected sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia for further evaluation, potentially by a sleep specialist. patients with suspected sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia for further evaluation, potentially by a sleep specialist. Prescribe aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity tailored to a patient's baseline. The body recommends using the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) to set expectations of what that activity should look like while also helping patients reduce sedentary time. tailored to a patient's baseline. The body recommends using the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) to set expectations of what that activity should look like while also helping patients reduce sedentary time. Implement a nutrition plan using SMART goals that are tailored to a patient's current eating habits and cultural background, with the goal to eat whole and plant-based foods. using SMART goals that are tailored to a patient's current eating habits and cultural background, with the goal to eat whole and plant-based foods. Clinicians should counsel patients on the importance of fostering familial support and social connections that can help people stay on track for their goals. that can help people stay on track for their goals. Counsel patients on using alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs , making sure they understand how using these substances can hinder their diabetes management. , making sure they understand how using these substances can hinder their diabetes management. Utilize coaching, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help patients sustain behavioral changes related to type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. to help patients sustain behavioral changes related to type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Establish a continuity of care plan that lays out the frequency and duration of care visits, expectations for how the patient should be involved with setting and working toward lifestyle intervention goals, and whether the patient needs pharmacologic therapies. They also make the following other recommendations: Evaluating patients for any psychological care needs , which can include depression or anxiety, stress, or mood and affective or psychotic disorders. Treatment for these conditions ranges from medication to mindfulness-based exercises and cognitive-behavioral therapy. , which can include depression or anxiety, stress, or mood and affective or psychotic disorders. Treatment for these conditions ranges from medication to mindfulness-based exercises and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Adjust pharmacologic therapy, which will depend on the progress they make through lifestyle interventions alone. Meeting Patients Where They Are Particularly with exercise and nutrition goals, clinicians need to be mindful of a patient's baseline instead of implementing drastic diet or movement changes at the start. 'If you have someone who is drinking 10 cans of soda per day, we aren't going to get into the nitty-gritty details of a Mediterranean diet right away; we need to start with reducing or eliminating these sugary beverages,' he said. On the other hand, a patient who is well-versed in nutrition may need more sophisticated education about what parts of their diet may unknowingly be contributing to mismanaged blood sugars, he said. The guidelines also recommend prescribing aerobic and muscle strength exercises using the SMART goal framework. Rather than simply telling patients to get more exercise, Gulati and her team recommend giving people examples of specific exercises that count as aerobic or strength training that are suited to each patient. 'One thing I thought was really good about these guidelines is they give links to YouTube videos on exercises for older people or those with limitations,' Mathioudakis said. Shift Work and Social Connection While exercise and nutrition are mainstays of lifestyle interventions for diabetes management, sleep and social connection are newer recommendations that began appearing in official ADA guidelines within the past 5 years. 'I think things are changing a bit now, but not every healthcare provider may understand the vital role sleep plays in patients with diabetes,' Gulati said. 'Especially shift work, if someone is working shift work, their risk of diabetes goes up significantly. Same with obstructive sleep apnea.' Social connection is another domain that can help or harm a patient's ability to stick to lifestyle interventions. 'How can a patient change their own way of eating if their spouse doesn't want to eat that way?' Gulati said. 'If the patient isn't able to drive, do they have a support network to ensure they always have a ride to doctor's appointments?' Even with strong social support, people may backtrack on progress, Gulati said. In these cases, she said, never guilt or shame patients, and always include them in decision-making about what their next goals should be. 'They may do good on nutrition for a while, but then they fall off, or they had some disruptions in their sleep routine, and now they want to focus on that,' she said. 'Priorities may change as time goes on.' This study was supported by the ACLM. The panel members received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of the guidelines. Various guideline authors reported financial disclosures including receiving consulting fees from Sanofi and LifeScan Diabetes and serving as an advisor to Medtronic, among others.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
These 2 Foods May Help Lower Your Chronic Disease Risk, New Study Says
Reviewed by Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A., RDA new study suggests that eating a cup of black beans or chickpeas each day offers protective health benefits. The black bean group had lower inflammation, while the chickpea group had lower cholesterol. Both black beans and chickpeas are good sources of plant-based protein and if the key to a healthier heart and improved metabolic health was sitting in your pantry all along? A new study shines a spotlight on the humble black bean and chickpea, both affordable and versatile staples, as potential gamechangers for reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Researchers have discovered that regularly eating just a cup of beans a day may offer significant benefits, and the results were shared this week at a meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. Let's unpack what they found. To determine how certain foods may impact health outcomes, a total of 72 adults with prediabetes participated and were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was instructed to consume one of three daily options for 12 weeks: 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of chickpeas or 1 cup of rice as a control. Researchers allowed participants to remain in their regular home environments, referred to as "free-living conditions," rather than keeping them in a controlled laboratory setting. By allowing participants to maintain their normal lifestyles while incorporating the assigned food into their everyday meals, the study aimed to imitate realistic dietary practices. To measure the effects of these dietary changes, researchers used a variety of health markers. Blood samples were collected at the start of the study, midway at six weeks, and again at the conclusion of the 12 weeks. These samples were analyzed to track significant biochemical changes, including cholesterol levels, inflammation markers and glucose metabolism. Additionally, glucose tolerance tests were performed at the beginning and the end of the study to further evaluate insulin response and blood sugar control. Over the 12-week study period, researchers observed notable improvements in markers of heart and metabolic health among participants who consumed either black beans or chickpeas daily. For the chickpea group, total cholesterol levels decreased significantly by nearly 15 milligrams per deciliter, dropping from an average of 200.4 mg/dL to 185.8 mg/dL. This reduction is significant, as high cholesterol is a major factor contributing to heart disease. Meanwhile, participants who incorporated black beans into their diet saw significant reductions in inflammation, as evidenced by lower levels of the pro-inflammatory marker interleukin-6. These findings highlight how even simple dietary changes like swapping in nutrient-dense foods such as beans and chickpeas can have measurable health outcomes. Interestingly, while both chickpeas and black beans showed benefits in cholesterol and inflammation markers, the study did not find significant differences in glucose metabolism or blood sugar levels across any of the groups by the end of the study. Despite this, researchers stress the importance of legumes as a versatile, affordable, and accessible food option capable of supporting overall health, particularly for individuals at risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. It is important to acknowledge this study's limitations. First, the study's relatively small sample size of 72 participants may not fully represent the broader population, making it necessary to conduct larger studies to confirm these findings. Additionally, the study focused specifically on individuals with prediabetes, which means that the results may not directly apply to other populations or those without metabolic risks. Another consideration is the short duration of the study: 12 weeks may not capture the long-term effects of integrating chickpeas or black beans into the diet. Lastly, while improvements in cholesterol and inflammation markers were noted, the lack of significant changes in glucose metabolism highlights that bean consumption alone may not address all aspects of metabolic health. Finally, it is important to note that this data was not published in a peer-reviewed journal. While the findings provide valuable insights, the lack of peer review underscores the need for cautious interpretation and further validation by the scientific community. These findings have real-life implications for anyone looking to improve their heart and metabolic health through simple dietary changes. Beans and chickpeas, which are affordable and widely available, can be seamlessly incorporated into everyday meals to help support health, especially for people with pre-diabetes. Both of these legumes also offer satisfying protein and fiber in every bite, making them a budget-friendly way to stretch your meals—especially soups and pastas—and enjoy a filling lunch or dinner. Here are some simple ways you can include black beans and chickpeas in your day: Add them to salads. Toss black beans or chickpeas into your salads for added protein and texture. Blend them into dips. Create homemade hummus using chickpeas or a black bean dip as a healthy snack option. Use them in soups or stews. Black beans and chickpeas are perfect additions to soups, stews, and chilis. Try our Black Bean Soup for a satisfying recipe. Add them to grain bowls. Incorporate them with quinoa, rice, or other grains alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Use them in wraps or tacos. Fill tortillas or wraps with spiced black beans or chickpeas for a quick and delicious option—we love our Black Bean-Avocado Wrap for an easy lunch you can even take on the go. Bake them into snacks. Roast chickpeas with spices for a crunchy snack or use black beans in brownies for a nutritious twist on dessert. A new, non-peer-reviewed study suggests that eating black beans and chickpeas offers health benefits that can help protect you from chronic disease. In particular, black beans may reduce chronic inflammation and chickpeas may be helpful for lower cholesterol. The results of this study serve as a that small, intentional dietary changes can have a meaningful impact on overall health. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods like black beans and chickpeas into your meals not only supports heart health and reduces inflammation but also underscores the importance of affordable and accessible solutions to combat chronic diseases—no complicated or fancy diet required! Combining these dietary shifts with other practices like regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management could further amplify their benefits. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Medical News Today
03-06-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Cholesterol: Daily cup of beans may lower levels, improve heart health
Could a daily cup of beans improve cholesterol and heart health? A new study investigates. lacaosa/Getty Images A new study explores the metabolic benefits of consuming legumes in people with prediabetes. Specifically, the scientists found that daily consumption of chickpeas and black beans has measurable benefits on inflammation and cholesterol levels. The researchers recently presented their findings at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. A recent 12-week study involving participants with prediabetes found that a simple dietary change may have significant benefits. The researchers found that, compared with consuming white rice, eating black beans or chickpeas was associated with reduced markers of inflammation, and consuming chickpeas was linked to reduced blood cholesterol. Because the study was relatively small and of short duration, scientists need to carry out more research to replicate the results. The findings have also yet to be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal but were recently presented at NUTRITION 2025, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, in Orlando, Florida. However, because black beans and chickpeas are relatively cheap and considered healthy by experts, this type of intervention is worth exploring further. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes affects an estimated 1 in 10 people in the United States , the majority of whom have type 2 diabetes. This condition is marked by an inability to control levels of glucose in the blood. When blood glucose is elevated, it damages healthy tissues. Treatment can successfully manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of damage, but there is no cure. Prediabetes is not a guarantee that an individual will go on to develop type 2 diabetes, but the risk is elevated. Unlike type 2 diabetes, however, prediabetes can be reversed, so scientists are exploring interventions that could help this population. Because nutrition plays a pivotal role in the development of type 2 diabetes, many scientists are focused on dietary interventions For their recent study, the researchers recruited individuals with prediabetes. They wanted to understand whether black beans and chickpeas, consumed daily, could influence biomarkers of health after 6 and 12 weeks. In total, the study involved 72 people. They randomized them to one of three groups, consuming 1 cup of white rice, chickpeas, or black beans each day. At the start of the study, and at weeks 6 and 12, the researchers took blood samples to measure levels of: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: 'good' cholesterol. 'good' cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: 'bad' cholesterol. 'bad' cholesterol. C-reactive protein: A compound released in response to inflammation. A compound released in response to inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6): Another biological marker for inflammation. They also measured glucose metabolism and blood glucose levels. At week 12, those consuming chickpeas had a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, those eating black beans had reduced levels of the inflammatory marker, IL-6. However, the scientists did not identify any significant changes in glucose metabolism. Alongside the positive results linked to legume intake, there was also a more surprising finding: At the 12-week mark, the group consuming white rice had significantly lower levels of LDL 'bad' cholesterol than at the start of the study. This was a small, relatively brief study, so researchers need to carry out more work to understand the full benefits of these legumes on people with prediabetes. According to the authors of the study, they plan to continue this line of investigation. In particular, they want to focus on the links between metabolic health and the gut microbiome. Chickpeas and black beans are in the legume family, alongside peas, lentils, and other beans, like pinto, kidney, and lima beans. Rich in protein and fiber, research has found associations between legume consumption and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. There's also some evidence that consuming legumes may be associated with a reduction in cancer risk. Medical News Today reached out to Maddie Gallivan, RD, a registered dietitian who was not involved in the recent study. We asked how legumes might reduce cholesterol. 'The soluble fiber in these legumes helps to lower cholesterol by reducing how much is absorbed into the bloodstream,' she explained. Soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol in a number of ways. For instance, it binds to cholesterol in the gut, carrying it through the intestines and out of the body in stool. According to Gallivan, 'Beans and chickpeas are excellent examples of plant-based protein sources that are also packed with fibre. They also help you keep fuller for longer.' 'When eaten as part of a diverse, plant-rich diet,' she continued, 'beans and chickpeas can support a healthy gut microbiome. A variety of fibres from whole plant foods — like vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, pulses, legumes, nuts, and seeds — will feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, encouraging them to flourish and support overall health.' Legumes like chickpeas and black beans are an important staple in many parts of the world, but they are relatively unpopular in the West. Although widely available and low cost, research suggests that the average U.S. adult spends less than $5 per year on legumes. 'There are a lot of ways to incorporate beans into your regular diet as a cost-effective way to support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases,' explained author Morganne Smith, a doctoral candidate at Illinois Institute of Technology, and presenting author for this study. 'You can blend them to add some thickness to a soup base, add them as a salad topping, or pair them with other grains like rice or quinoa,' says Smith. According to Gallivan, they're also 'a great alternative to red and processed meats, because they can easily be added to meals like curries, stews, and casseroles.' However, she also adds a note of caution for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): 'It's important to take a gradual approach to increasing legume intake and seek personalized advice from a dietitian to manage symptoms effectively.' MNT reached out to Federica Amati, PhD, MPH, head nutritionist at ZOE, a science and nutrition company. Amati, who was not involved in the study, was not surprised that eating chickpeas and beans 'helps with cardiometabolic health markers.' 'They are also good for the environment,' she told us. 'Eat more of them.' Cholesterol Diabetes Heart Disease Cardiovascular / Cardiology Nutrition / Diet
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The simple food swap scientists urge you to make ‘to reduce heart attack risk'
SWAPPING out beans for less healthy options could slash your risk of deadly heart attack or stroke, new research shows. Eating a cup of beans a day - whether they're dried or canned - can boost heart and metabolic health, according to scientists. 1 Daily portions of chickpeas and black beans could serve as a "simple, cost-effective" way to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, they said. The new study links chickpeas to improved cholesterol levels, which blacks beans seemed to reduce inflammation. Having high cholesterol means you have too much of a fatty substance in your blood and it could make you more likely to suffer a a heart attack or stroke. Meanwhile, chronic inflammation a culprit in many heart and circulatory conditions. Eating beans in place of less healthy options is an easy way to start eating more of them, researchers suggested. But you should be aware of any additional ingredients such as salt or sugar, they noted. The 12-week study followed 72 people with prediabetes - meaning they have higher than normal blood sugar levels. Study co-author Morganne Smith said: "Individuals with prediabetes often exhibit impaired lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation, both of which can contribute to the development of conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. "Our study found that bean consumption helped significantly lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in people with prediabetes, although glucose levels were not changed." Researchers presented their findings at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. The two diets linked to slower cognitive decline in adults - and what foods you should be eating Ms Smith, a doctoral candidate at Illinois Institute of Technology, said: "Our study showed the benefits of consuming beans in adults with pre-diabetes, but they are a great option for everyone. "These findings could be used to inform dietary guidelines, clinicians or public health programs focused on preventing heart disease and diabetes." To increase the relevance to everyday life, the research team conducted the study with participants in free-living conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to eat either one cup of black beans, chickpeas or rice daily for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken at the start of the study, then after six weeks and 12 weeks to track participants' cholesterol, inflammation, and blood sugar. Meanwhile, glucose tolerance tests were conducted at the start and end of the study. For the group eating chickpeas, total cholesterol decreased "significantly" from an average of 200.4 milligrams per decilitre at the start of the study to 185.8 milligrams per decilitre after 12 weeks. Ideally, total cholesterol levels should be bellow 200 to be considered healthy. How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods. Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events. Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions. Here are ways you can prevent the two: Healthy diet More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults. Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels. Exercise Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it! Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS. Manage blood pressure Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check. But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quit smoking One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free. Limit booze Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk. The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week. For the participants consuming black beans, the average level of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 - a marker of inflammation - was 2.57 picograms per millilitre at the outset and significantly decreased to 1.88 picograms per millilitre after 12 weeks. No significant changes were observed in markers of glucose metabolism. Ms Smith added: "There are a lot of ways to incorporate beans into your regular diet as a cost-effective way to support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. "You can blend them to add some thickness to a soup base, add them as a salad topping, or pair them with other grains like rice or quinoa." For the next phase of their study, the researchers plan to examine how consuming black beans and chickpeas influences gut health to better understand the connection between the gut microbiome and metabolic health.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
1 in 4 Malaysians at Risk: Alpro Pharmacy Leads National Movement to Reverse Prediabetes
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2025 - With one in four Malaysian adults unknowingly living with prediabetes, the country is facing a silent but escalating health crisis. Research shows that one in ten individuals with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within a year, and up to 70% will progress within a decade if no action is taken (Sources: National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019; International Diabetes Federation). In response to this urgent need, Alpro Pharmacy has launched the ASAP Programme (Alpro Stand Against Prediabetes) a nationwide health campaign that began in April 2025. This initiative is designed to raise early awareness, promote timely screening, and provide accessible, professional care to help Malaysians reverse prediabetes before it becomes a lifelong condition. As part of this commitment, Alpro is offering 10,000 free HbA1c tests to high-risk individuals across more than 300 Alpro touchpoints nationwide, from April through June 2025. With a focus on those with a family history of diabetes and those at higher risk due to age or weight, the ASAP Programme empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards better health. Through early detection and pharmacist-led counseling, nutrition guidance, and lifestyle modifications, participants can potentially reverse their condition. Beyond individual action, the programme also reinforces the vital role that primary care providers—including community pharmacists, community nutritionists and dietitians, and general practitioners—play in delivering preventive healthcare directly to the public. By bringing early intervention into the heart of the community, the programme ensures that help is accessible, timely, and coordinated. This national effort is made possible through a strong multidisciplinary collaboration between Alpro Pharmacy, Merck Sdn. Bhd., University of Malaya, Yuwell Malaysia, Ethos Healthcare, and Powerlife Malaysia. United by a shared vision for preventive healthcare, these partners bring together medical innovation, digital health tools, academic research, and nutritional science to combat one of Malaysia's most pressing chronic health challenges. 'Prediabetes is not a life sentence—it's a second chance,' said Ph. Lim En Ni, Chief Pharmacist and Engagement Director of Alpro Pharmacy. 'Through the ASAP Programme, we're reaching people before diabetes does—offering them the tests, intervention, and ongoing support they need to make lasting changes. Our aim is to stop diabetes before it starts.' For Merck Sdn. Bhd., the programme aligns with its commitment to early intervention in chronic disease.'The ASAP Programme puts prevention into action—on the ground, led by pharmacists,' said Ms. Pixie Yee, Managing Director of Merck Malaysia and General Manager of Merck Healthcare Malaysia and Singapore. 'It's meaningful because it reaches people before complications begin. As healthcare leaders, we must shift the focus from delayed treatment to early empowerment.' A core component of the campaign is a research collaboration with the University of Malaya to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led interventions in identifying and managing prediabetes. The study explores how HbA1c screening, paired with pharmacological and lifestyle guidance, can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Findings are expected to help shape future national healthcare strategies and support the standardisation of pharmacy-based chronic disease prevention in Malaysia. 'This campaign is more than awareness—it's a chance to validate the impact of pharmacists in chronic disease prevention,' said Professor Dr. Hasniza, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Malaya. The ASAP Programme aims to amplify a clear and urgent public health message: prediabetes is reversible, early action matters, and no one should wait for symptoms before seeking help. With professional support and free screening made easily available across the country, this campaign proves that diabetes can be stopped—before it starts. Malaysians are encouraged to participate by visiting any Alpro Pharmacy outlet during the campaign period. For full campaign details, eligibility information, and outlet locations, please visit: Let's act ASAP — because the best way to fight diabetes is to stop it before it starts. Hashtag: #alpro The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Alpro Pharmacy With a humble beginning starting with a single pharmacy outlet in the small town of Port Dickson in 2002, Alpro Pharmacy is now a diversified community chain pharmacy that provides comprehensive primary healthcare solutions via over 300 outlets including Alpro Pharmacy, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Physio and Alpro Baby, both online and offline, nationwide. It is supported by a team of more than 650 healthcare professionals, ranging from doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians to physiotherapists and many other healthcare professionals. Serving more than 3 million families in Malaysia, Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the country to provide RM1 million product liability insurance to safeguard the supply of genuine medications. With over 500,000 prescriptions filled per year, Alpro Pharmacy is also the largest prescription pharmacy chain in Malaysia. For more information, please visit Alpro Pharmacy
