SINGAPORE: Projections by the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health have indicated that Singapore is expected to have 1 million diabetics by 2050, due to an ageing population and a rise in obesity.
There were about 350,000 diabetics in 2010. To slow down this trend, some health experts are urging at-risk Singaporeans to get screened at a younger age and also advocating better support for diabetic patients to manage their condition.
Kidney patient Kavien Teo tries to lead a healthy life. He exercises regularly and avoids food that contains high amounts of sugar. The 57-year-old has not always followed this routine. Five years ago, he learnt he had diabetes and kidney problems, causing him to change his unhealthy habits.
"Now, finally I can even walk two bus stops and not feel so breathless. (Previously I would get) a bit breathless. I feel I'm livelier now," he said.*
Doctors said keeping fit and eating healthy are key to preventing diabetes, but those who are deemed at-risk should consider being screened at a younger age.
"We know that obesity rates are rising among the adolescents and the young adults," said Dr Goh Su-Yen, head and senior consultant at the Singapore General Hospital's Department of Endocrinology. "If you already have one risk factor such as hypertension or a family member who has diabetes, we have started advocating screening perhaps from the age of 30, rather than 40."
This can be seen in SingHealth's "Stop Diabetes" initiative. The group recently started to target the relatives of their diabetic patients by offering them free screening. Each patient is given a booklet - to give to a family member, such as a parent or a sibling - which contains information on why they are considered at risk as well as the types of screening they will be going for.
The free screening programme for those aged 30 and above targets the families of more than 1,000 Type 2 diabetes patients and involves general practitioners (GPs) across the island.*
However, screening alone is not sufficient. Dr Goh also stressed the importance of follow-up action after being diagnosed, with healthcare providers working with diabetics to ensure they are making changes to their daily routines.
Researchers said 50 per cent of diabetics do not realise they have the disease as the symptoms are not obvious. But if left untreated, complications such as heart attacks, stroke and kidney failure may occur. These complications can also cost the country a significant amount.
"In 2010, there were about 180,000 diabetics in the working population," said Professor Chia Kee Seng, who is the dean at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. "They cost Singapore S$1 billion, majority of it due to productivity loss at the workplace (caused by) absenteeism or early withdrawal from the workforce.
Prof Chia said that ultimately, portion control and exercise are key to preventing the disease.
On its part, the National Kidney Foundation said it has plans this year to work with GPs to help those with diabetes manage their condition better and prevent the progression to kidney failure.
- CNA/hs
There were about 350,000 diabetics in 2010. To slow down this trend, some health experts are urging at-risk Singaporeans to get screened at a younger age and also advocating better support for diabetic patients to manage their condition.
Kidney patient Kavien Teo tries to lead a healthy life. He exercises regularly and avoids food that contains high amounts of sugar. The 57-year-old has not always followed this routine. Five years ago, he learnt he had diabetes and kidney problems, causing him to change his unhealthy habits.
"Now, finally I can even walk two bus stops and not feel so breathless. (Previously I would get) a bit breathless. I feel I'm livelier now," he said.*
Doctors said keeping fit and eating healthy are key to preventing diabetes, but those who are deemed at-risk should consider being screened at a younger age.
"We know that obesity rates are rising among the adolescents and the young adults," said Dr Goh Su-Yen, head and senior consultant at the Singapore General Hospital's Department of Endocrinology. "If you already have one risk factor such as hypertension or a family member who has diabetes, we have started advocating screening perhaps from the age of 30, rather than 40."
This can be seen in SingHealth's "Stop Diabetes" initiative. The group recently started to target the relatives of their diabetic patients by offering them free screening. Each patient is given a booklet - to give to a family member, such as a parent or a sibling - which contains information on why they are considered at risk as well as the types of screening they will be going for.
The free screening programme for those aged 30 and above targets the families of more than 1,000 Type 2 diabetes patients and involves general practitioners (GPs) across the island.*
However, screening alone is not sufficient. Dr Goh also stressed the importance of follow-up action after being diagnosed, with healthcare providers working with diabetics to ensure they are making changes to their daily routines.
Researchers said 50 per cent of diabetics do not realise they have the disease as the symptoms are not obvious. But if left untreated, complications such as heart attacks, stroke and kidney failure may occur. These complications can also cost the country a significant amount.
"In 2010, there were about 180,000 diabetics in the working population," said Professor Chia Kee Seng, who is the dean at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. "They cost Singapore S$1 billion, majority of it due to productivity loss at the workplace (caused by) absenteeism or early withdrawal from the workforce.
Prof Chia said that ultimately, portion control and exercise are key to preventing the disease.
On its part, the National Kidney Foundation said it has plans this year to work with GPs to help those with diabetes manage their condition better and prevent the progression to kidney failure.
- CNA/hs
