Chronic diseases are medical conditions that can persist for 3 months or even longer. We treat all types of chronic diseases at LMC, with a focus on diabetes and hypertension
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What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term disease that develops when the sugar (glucose) in the blood is beyond the normal level. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
- Type 1 (Juvenile Diabetes) happens when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas responsible for making insulin, resulting in insufficient or zero production of insulin. Insulin is crucial as its main purpose is to distribute glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body to generate energy. Without insulin, the glucose collects in the bloodstream resulting in diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is able to produce insulin, but it is either too little or the cells of the body become insulin resistant – making them absorb less sugar. Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent among adults.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can develop at any stage of life. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for diabetes. However, various treatments can help manage this chronic disease to prolong life.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
These are the usual symptoms of diabetes:
What are the causes of diabetes?
The main causes of diabetes are still undiscovered. Several factors are believed to contribute to the development of this disease, such as:
GENETICS
Obesity
Environmental factors
Exposure to viruses
Lifestyle
(e.g. poor diet, physical
inactivity, smoking)
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Pregnancy
(History of gestational diabetes)
What complications can diabetes do to the body?
Acute and long-term complications happen in the body when it is exposed to excessive levels of sugar in the blood.
Acute Diabetes Complications
Acute complications are usually severe and appear suddenly, which can lead to life-threatening conditions. The following are types of acute diabetes complications:
Diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA) happens when the body fails to use glucose for energy and instead breaks down fat, making the blood acidic. Difficulty in breathing, loss of consciousness, and vomiting are the alarming symptoms of this complication. Urgent medical care is needed for DKA.
Hypoglycemia occurs when the amount of glucose in the blood drops below the normal range. Severe hypoglycemia results in loss of consciousness or body seizures. Immediate medical intervention is critical when this happens.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) is a Type 2 diabetes complication that takes place when the levels of sugar in the bloodstream are too high for an extended period of time. This life-threatening complication leads to confusion and extreme dehydration. Delayed treatment of this condition can be fatal.
Long-term Diabetes Complications
Leaving the body exposed to unhealthy levels of blood glucose takes a toll on the blood vessels and nerves. As a result, they can no longer function properly and fail to support the internal organs and tissues leading to their damage. The major complications of long-term diabetes are:
- Atherosclerosis or hardening of arteries
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Other complications that affect the quality of life are:
- Amputations
- Gastroparesis or stomach paralysis
- Retinopathy, an eye disease that can lead to blindness
- Nephropathy, a progressive kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure
- Nerve damage
- Oral problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Skin infections
What are the ways to diagnose
diabetes in Singapore?
Various tests are recommended to diagnose diabetes, such as:
- Fasting blood sugar test
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
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)
What treatments are available for diabetes in Singapore?
There is no cure to both Type1 and 2 diabetes, but there are measures that can be done to manage the disease and avoid progression.
The goal to manage diabetes is to keep the blood glucose at a healthy level. Depending on the type of diabetes, this is achievable through:
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Healthy diet
- Insulin administration
- Lifestyle changes
- Oral medications
Blood sugar monitoring: This involves regularly checking if the amount of sugar in your blood is still within your recommended range on an hourly or daily basis. This is done using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or a glucose metre and finger stick.
Healthy diet: Eating healthy is crucial in managing diabetes as a great amount of carbohydrates come from the food that we consume, which influences the blood glucose levels in the body. Developing meal plans and healthy eating habits allows you to watch over your amount of sugar intake. Having a healthy diet can also help in controlling your weight and decrease the risk of developing heart diseases.
Insulin: This treatment is prescribed mostly for people with Type 1 diabetes. Synthetic insulin is administered through injection to help the body’s cells absorb blood sugar.
Lifestyle changes: Incorporating physical activities and exercise is important to boost insulin sensitivity and prevent the body from being overweight or obese.
Oral medications: Metformin is the commonly prescribed medication for Type 2 diabetes. This medicine is taken orally to help the body regulate the blood sugar level.
Where do you go for diabetes treatment in Singapore?
Lifestyle Medical Clinic is committed to take a holistic approach with their diabetes treatments. Managing diabetes takes more than just prescribing medications. At LMC, your diabetes management plan is customised according to the needs of your overall well being. We do not only target improving your medical condition, but the entire health of your body. This is done through a physical wellness assessment and the supervision of a health coach.
diabetes
FAQs
Hypertension
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition that happens when the pressure of blood that pushes into the artery walls is too high. Consistent high blood pressure damages the arteries and can cause severe complications such as heart attack and stroke. Hypertension is usually asymptomatic, but some people may experience signs like blurred vision, difficulty breathing or headache.
What can be done to know if hypertension is present?
Checking your blood pressure is the best way to know if you have hypertension. This can be done at home using a blood pressure monitor or through your healthcare provider. A blood pressure test is performed using a gauge and stethoscope to check your blood’s vital sign. Remember that you can have this condition even though you are feeling normal, so it is imperative that you get regular checkups to monitor your blood pressure.
What treatments are available for hypertension?
Hypertension can be managed and treated by lifestyle changes, medications and regular monitoring.
Lifestyle changes involve engaging your body in physical activities to maintain a healthy weight, eating a healthy and nutritious diet that is low in sodium, and limiting your consumption of alcohol.
For medications, your healthcare provider may prescribe you with medical drugs that control high blood pressure. There are four classes of blood pressure medications that are commonly given at the start of a treatment:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Calcium channel blockers
- Diuretics
Regular monitoring of your blood pressure gives you real time knowledge of your condition. Hence, you can seek medical attention when needed.
Where do you go for hypertension treatment in Singapore?
Keeping your blood pressure at normal range has a great impact in keeping your heart healthy. Thus, it is crucial that you undergo health screenings that can detect symptoms of conditions or disorders affecting your blood vessels and heart. Blood pressure checks and heart health screenings are available at Lifestyle Medical Clinic.
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Health is for everyone
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