Dr Peter Attia, in his international bestselling book “Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity. Rethinking Medicine to Live Better Longer” wrote how type 2 diabetes emerged in the early 1700s. It was at first largely a disease of the super elite—popes, artists, wealthy merchants and nobles who could afford this newly fashionable luxury food known as sugar. By the early 20th century, diabetes was becoming a disease of the masses.
More than half of those aged over 30 who have the condition are not receiving treatment. The global prevalence of diabetes has doubled since 1990 to 14% from around 7%, and the increase has been driven largely by rising cases in low- and middle-income countries.
Calorie-dense diets—especially ultra-processed foods—sedentary time, urbanisation, and population ageing are the dominant global drivers linking obesity and insulin resistance to type 2 diabetes. Research shows adults often spend 8–10 hours per day sedentary (sitting, meeting, laying down), especially in urban and office-based lifestyles.
Why Does It Matter?
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are no longer just health statistics—they are shaping the future of workplaces, families, and national health budgets. For Indonesia, BPJS Kesehatan and employers already carry the heavy cost of treatment, insurance claims, and reduced productivity.
“To bring the global diabetes epidemic under control, countries must urgently take action, including with policies supporting healthy diets and physical activity, as well as health systems that can prevent, detect and treat the condition.” — Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
The Good News: It Is Preventable
From Sick Care to Smart Care
- Traditional healthcare waits until people are already unwell. Medicine 3.0 changes the game: shifting from reactive treatment to predictive, preventive, and personalised care. It extends health span, not just lifespan.
- Mental Health 3.0 reframes wellbeing as proactive—not waiting for burnout, depression, or anxiety to appear. It promotes holistic wellbeing intelligence: detecting early risks, building resilience, and integrating mental, social, financial, physical, and family dimensions of life.
- WHO and major public health studies confirm that 70–80% of type 2 diabetes and a significant portion of obesity-related morbidity are preventable through lifestyle interventions (nutrition, activity, sleep, stress management).
- Both are classified as non-communicable, lifestyle-related diseases, strongly influenced by environment, behavior, and psychosocial factors. Prevention requires a multi-dimensional approach—not just medical care, but also workplace culture, family environment, and mental health integration.
The Framework: Five Pillars of Preventable Wellness
At DexWellness, we believe tackling obesity and diabetes means addressing the root causes—at work and at home—through a holistic framework:
- Promotion — Building awareness on nutrition, movement, stress, and sleep.
- Prevention — Routine health checks, wellness dashboards, lifestyle coaching.
- Detection — Early red flags via digital tools, wearables, and wellbeing chatbots.
- Intervention — Personalised programs: coaching, group challenges, healthier workplaces.
- Sustainability — Incentives, leadership role-modelling, and continuous measurement of ROI.
The Strategy for Workplaces
- Employee wellness programs designed for those in their 30s–50s help prevent the “silent decline” that often goes unnoticed until it is too late.
- Healthy workplace policies: no sugar for coffee and tea, nutritious food, ergonomic spaces, active breaks, group exercises after office.
- Annual health checks tied to digital dashboards that empower employees.
- Integrated mental health chatbots for stress management and lifestyle habits.
“Lower absenteeism, reduced BPJS and insurance claims, and a workforce that is sharp, agile, and resilient.”
The Strategy for Families
- Parents modelling healthy eating and regular activity.
- Digital detox to replace screen time with bonding, sports, and outdoor play.
- Family wellness challenges: “healthy plate week,” weekend hikes, cooking together.
- Community-based support via schools and local clinics.
Children develop lifelong healthy habits, reducing obesity and diabetes risks while strengthening family bonds.
The Way Forward
The rising tide of lifestyle diseases doesn’t have to overwhelm Indonesia’s healthcare and corporate systems. By embracing Medicine 3.0 and Mental Health 3.0, we can protect health, lower costs, and strengthen human capital—for organisations, families, and the nation.
“Prevention is not just a choice—it is an economic and social imperative.”