- More than 60% of diabetics live in Asia; Community-based approach needed to 
create opportunities for change

A coordinated, community-based approach is essential to hold back the rising 
tide of diabetes in Asia, according to a new report from Sun Life Financial 
Asia (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF), in light of World Health Day 2019. 

Over 422 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, with Asian 
countries now accounting for more than 60% of cases worldwide. Past research 
from Sun Life has found that while awareness of diabetes causes and methods of 
prevention is on the rise, many individuals are still unwilling to take action 
to combat the disease. 

The new report Diabetes in Asia: Empowering communities to lead healthier lives 
focuses on Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia, and 
shines a light on the importance of engaging communities in these countries to 
counter this fast growing health problem. 

A dangerous convergence of factors -- urbanisation, higher levels of physical 
inactivity, pollution, smoking and unhealthy diets -- has created a mounting 
health crisis. At a global level, it is estimated that diabetes will cost $1.7 
trillion USD in lost GDP between 2011 and 2030. $800 billion of that sum will 
be accounted for by low- to middle-income countries. 

"Diabetes is a leading heath challenge for Asia this century and it's damaging 
the quality of life of people across the region. We believe that the only way 
to hold back the rising tide of diabetes is to work with local communities to 
create opportunities for change," says Claude Accum, President of Sun Life 
Financial Asia. "Communities can be powerful agents for educating, engaging and 
empowering families and individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices."

"The epidemic of Type II diabetes in Asia has far-reaching implications for our 
overall health, as diabetes can cause diseases of the heart, blood vessels, 
kidneys, eyes, limbs, and even influences our cancer risk and mental health." 
says Dr. Loraine Oman-Ganes, Corporate Chief Medical Director for Sun Life 
Financial. "Type II diabetes is caused by a complex mix of genetic and 
environmental factors, but that does not mean that diabetes is our destiny. We 
have the power to positively influence our own health. Simple lifestyle changes 
such as regular exercise and healthy diet can transform outcomes in type II 
diabetes, and even prevent it."

To download a complimentary copy of the Diabetes in Asia report, please visit: 
URL ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2425885-1&h=4277495628&u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sunlife.com%2Fstatic%2Fhk%2FAbout%2520Us%2FCorporate%2520Responsibility%2FTeam%2520up%2520against%2520Diabetes%2FApril%25204%2520White%2520paper.pdf&a=URL 
).

World Health Day 2019 sheds light on life without affordable healthcare 
coverage. More information about World Health Day 2019 is available here ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2425885-1&h=1260773945&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.who.int%2Fcampaigns%2Fworld-health-day%2Fworld-health-day-2019%2Fabout-the-campaign&a=here 
). 

Key Statistics:
 
    - 422 million adults worldwide living with diabetes. 
    - Over 1 million deaths worldwide from Type II diabetes in 2017.  
    - $1.7 trillion lost global GDP from 2011 to 2030, including direct and 
      indirect costs of diabetes.  
    - 60% of world's diabetic population live in Asia 
    - Urban populations are estimated to more than double by 2050 in South-east 
      Asia. 
    - 80% of the population in South-east Asia do not eat five portions of 
      fruits and vegetables a day. 
    - 64% of respondents to Sun Life Asia survey believe a lack of physical 
      activity or exercise is a contributing factor for diabetes, yet only 32% 
      are willing to exercise with a diabetic family member.

About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization 
providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and 
corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets 
worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, 
Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, 
Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2018, Sun Life 
Financial had total assets under management of $951 billion. For more 
information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and 
Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars

Media Relations Contact: 
Sarah James, Head of Communications, Sun Life Financial Asia
Phone +852-2918-3828 
Mobile +852-6021-5797 
sarah.james@sunlife.com 

SOURCE: Sun Life Financial Asia