Study Site: Penang, Malaysia
Institution: Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Principal Investigator: Dr. Rohana Jalil
Malaysia at a Glance
Area: 329,758 sq km
Population: 30,073,353
Median age: total 27.7 yr
Urban population: 72.8% of total population
Life expectancy: male 66.68 yr ; female 69.06 yr
Diabetes prevalence: 3.2 million cases, 16.6% (national prevalence)
Per capita GDP: $4,000
Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Hakka dialects, Cantonese, Tamil and numerous tribal languages
Diet:
Comprised by three major ethic groups (Malay, Indian, and Chinese), the dietary patterns in Malaysia reflect those of India and China, with a traditional intake of rice, vegetables, and starchy foods. Rice is the main food staple; pulses and starchy roots (especially cassava) are still consumed, but they represent a minimal contribution to energy.
Sources:
The World Factbook, 2013-2014. Washington, DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2013.
IDF Diabetes Atlas, 6th Edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2014.
