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23 September 2025

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5 minute read

Diabetes Demystified

By Charis Yap Lye Leen

Insights on diabetes, insulin and more from a pharmacist

Navigating the landscape of diabetes care often means sorting through a maze of misinformation and myths. To shed light on this critical issue, we had the privilege of speaking with Charis Yap Lye Leen, the Pharmacy Manager of Columbia Asia Hospital, Puchong.

Working in the hospital line, Charis Yap is dedicated to dispelling misconceptions and empowering patients with the knowledge they need to effectively manage their condition. Join us as we uncover the truth behind common diabetes myths and gain valuable perspectives from a trusted healthcare professional.

Fact or Myth #1: Diabetes medications can cure diabetes.

Charis Yap: MYTH

Diabetes medication’s purpose is to control blood sugar levels to keep them at a normal level. When this control is achieved, it does not mean diabetes is cured, it simply means it is well controlled by the medication.

Fact or Myth #2: Once you start diabetes medication, you’ll always need it.

Charis Yap: TRUTH

Diabetes is a condition where the control of glucose levels in your body is inadequate. Meaning that your body’s natural mechanisms are failing in the control of glucose levels. Hence, medications are needed to aid this control.

Fact or Myth #3: Natural supplements are better than prescribed diabetes medications.

Charis Yap: MYTH

Medications in the modern world are developed through stringent processes to ensure effectiveness and safety. Each pill contains a fixed dosage, which was studied and tested for years to maximise effectiveness whilst minimising unwanted effects.

On the other hand, natural supplements might not have robust safety data relating to effectiveness. They can be taken as an add-on with the approval of their doctors or pharmacists.

Fact or Myth #4: All diabetes medications cause weight gain.

Charis Yap: MYTH

Many diabetes medications now in fact can cause weight loss. This is especially useful for overweight diabetes patients who can benefit from this other than controlling their blood sugar level.

Fact or Myth #5: Insulin is better than pills because it has fewer side effects.

Charis Yap: MYTH

Insulin being similar to our body hormone does appear safer, but all drugs have side effects. If used not in accordance with instructions, it can also cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

Fact or Myth #6: If I have diabetes, I should avoid insulin injections for as long as possible.

Charis Yap: MYTH

If a person has Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, insulin is the mainstay of the treatment. It replaces the insulin your body does not make. For Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, doctors will prescribe insulin when health lifestyle changes and pills do not exert enough control on the patient’s blood sugar anymore.

Fact or Myth #7: I can adjust my diabetes medication dosage on my own.

Charis Yap: MYTH

Adjusting your own dosing without the approval of your doctor is dangerous. Too high a dose might cause hypoglycemia in certain medications and can be an emergency.

Adjusting too low of a dose might not give enough control over the blood sugar. If it is left overtime, other complications due to prolonged high sugar levels can occur. Always adhere to the prescribed dose. If there are any doubts, please discuss them with your prescriber first.

Fact or Myth 8: All diabetes medications will cause organ damage.

Charis Yap: MYTH

Quite the contrary yas uncontrolled diabetes over a prolonged period will cause organ damage, especially to the kidneys, eyes, and peripheral nerves. Diabetes medication can help deter these damages by keeping blood sugar level under control.

Fact or Myth #9: If my blood sugar is under control, I don’t need to take any medications.

Charis Yap: MYTH

If your blood sugar is under control while taking medications, it means the medication is doing its job. All the more reason, one should not stop taking medications.

Fact or Myth #10: Herbal remedies are just as effective as prescription diabetes medications.

Charis Yap: MYTH

Herbal remedies do not go through extensive research and studies to prove their safety and effectiveness. Prescription diabetes medications have clinical trials with data to support their effectiveness and safety. Herbal remedies can be taken with the approval of your doctors.

Do inform your prescribers if you are taking any herbal remedies and/or supplements, to prevent them from interacting with the prescribed medications.

Fact or Myth #11: Taking diabetes medications means that I have failed to manage my sugar level through diet and exercise.

Charis Yap: TRUTH

Diet and exercise or lifestyle modifications are often prescribed as the first-line intervention for those diagnosed with borderline cases of diabetes. However, if this is inadequate, medication will be prescribed to better aid the control of the blood sugar level.

Fact or Myth #12: Diabetes medicines are just a conspiracy by big pharma to make money.

Charis Yap: MYTH

Yes, they do make money in return for making available a treatment that is safe, effective, and well-studied. Imagine if there isn’t diabetes medication available, as many as 20% of the adult population in Malaysia (according to the census provided by MOH in 2023) will be left untreated and will eventually experience complications from diabetes, which will decrease their quality of life and possibly premature death.

On a side note, there are cheaper generic diabetes medicines available, do ask your pharmacist for them.

This article first appeared in Health Today, 19 August 2025.

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23 September 2025

•

5 minute read

Diabetes Demystified

By Charis Yap Lye Leen

Charis Yap Lye Leen

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