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In April 2016, the Ministry of Health (MOH) declared War on Diabetes, and for good reason – diabetes is one of the most prevalent health conditions here; 1 in 3 Singaporeans are at risk of developing this condition. Protect yourself by getting screened regularly.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body is unable to regulate the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This can happen for two main reasons:
- Insulin Resistance: The body is not able to effectively use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. This results in high levels of glucose in the bloodstream.
- Insulin Deficiency: The body is not able to produce enough insulin, which also leads to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream.
Diabetes is often associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Individuals with diabetes are also 2-4 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease and stroke.
Before diabetes develops, there is a stage we call prediabetes. Without intervention/changes, prediabetes could develop into type 2 diabetes within 5 years; this happens to 5-10% of people with prediabetes.
What causes Diabetes?
The exact causes of diabetes are not fully understood, but there are several factors that can contribute to the development of the condition:
GENETICS
Obesity
Pancreatic issues
Age
Lifestyle
(e.g. poor diet, physical
inactivity, smoking)
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Pregnancy
(History of gestational diabetes)
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
While symptoms of diabetes may vary depending on the type of diabetes and severity of the condition, some general signs to look out for include;
How is diabetes diagnosed
in Singapore?
Diabetes is usually diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and other diagnostic tests, including;
- Fasting blood sugar test
To measure levels of blood glucose. - Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test
To measure average levels of blood glucose over the past 2-3 months. - Oral glucose tolerance test
To measure the level of glucose in the blood after consuming a sugary drink. Your blood glucose level should rise, and then go back to normal.
Can diabetes be cured or treated?
Both Type 1 and 2 diabetes have no cure, but they can be controlled with appropriate management.
As mentioned, Type 1 diabetes will require regular insulin shots, as prescribed by a doctor. Type 2 diabetes may be controlled with just lifestyle changes, depending on how severe the condition is. These lifestyle changes include;
- Adjusting your diet
- Exercising regularly
- Monitoring your glucose and blood sugar levels consistently
Regardless of treatment, the goal will always be to manage your blood sugar levels well to prevent complications. Diabetes treatment is lifelong, so it’s important to work with a trusted healthcare professional who can develop a suitable and sustainable treatment plan for you.
BMI (kg/m2)
(For adults)
Risk of Heart Diseases and Diabetes
27.54 and above
High Risk
23.0 - 27.4
Moderate Risk
18.5 - 22.9
Low Risk (healthy range)
Less than 18.5
Risk of nutritional deficiency diseases and osteoporosis
Source: Health Promotion Board
Guideline
Asia-Pacific Consensus
Waist Circumference
Men
Women
≥ 90
≥ 80
Source: MOH Clinical Practice Guidelines 5/2004 (Obesity)
At LMC, we take a holistic approach and treat not just your diabetes with medications but overall wellbeing – this includes looking at your diet, physical activity, sleep, heart health and more through the guidance of a health coach.
Through our coaching programs, you get access to:
Evidence-based health coaching
Individualised management plan
Coordination and scheduling of specialist referrals
Personalised program tailored to your unique goals and preferences
Your health matters to us. Contact us to find out more.
diabetes
FAQs
Health is for everyone
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