Cambodia PM Hun Sen says doctors tell him he’s prediabetic

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Monday that he has prediabetes, a condition that means he has above normal blood sugar levels and is at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

"I am not diabetic yet, but it is very close. It is alarming,” he said. “[Doctors] asked me to reduce sugar intake.”

This is a rare instance of Hun Sen making a public announcement about his health. Previously, the 70-year-old has said that he was fit and that his family has no history of diabetes. 

The announcement comes after his brother Hun Neng, 72, passed away in May 2022. The prime minister’s wife previously secretly built a stupa for him at a pagoda, but Hun Sen has said he won’t be buried there and would rather be buried at his home.

In November, he tested positive for COVID and left the Group of 20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, as a precaution despite having no symptoms.

Hun Sen has ruled the country for nearly 38 years. He expects to remain in power until 2028, when he plans for his son Hun Manet to take over.

Translated by Samean Yun. Edited by Matt Reed.