10 Facts About Diabetes in Singapore and How to Manage It

1. Rising Prevalence

“Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. When you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels become too high. This can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure.

Diabetes rates in Singapore are on the rise, with the condition affecting nearly 11% of the population. The increase is attributed to various factors, including:

a. An aging population: The number of people aged 65 and over is expected to more than double by 2030. This is because Singaporeans are living longer and healthier lives. However, aging also increases the risk of developing diabetes.
b. Changes in diet: The typical Singaporean diet is high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fat. These foods can contribute to weight gain, which is a major risk factor for diabetes.
c. Sedentary lifestyles: Singaporeans are becoming increasingly sedentary. This is due to factors such as the rise of technology and the decline of physical activity in schools. A sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of diabetes.”

2. Leading Cause of End-Stage Renal Disease

Diabetes has become a leading cause of end-stage renal disease in Singapore. In fact, about half of all new dialysis cases are linked to diabetic kidney disease. This staggering statistic underlines the importance of early detection and effective management.

3. High Costs

“Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world, including Singapore. It is a leading cause of death and disability, and it can incur significant costs for both individuals and the healthcare system.

The direct costs of diabetes include medications, insulin injections, and regular monitoring. These costs can be high, especially for people who need to take multiple medications or who require insulin injections. In Singapore, the mean annual direct medical cost of type 2 diabetes is estimated to be S$2,034.

The indirect costs of diabetes include loss of productivity and other long-term complications. People with diabetes may miss work or school due to illness, and they may also have difficulty performing their daily activities. Diabetes can also lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. These complications can require hospitalization and surgery, which can further add to the costs of diabetes.”

4. Impact on the Young

While diabetes is generally more prevalent in older adults, Type 2 diabetes is increasingly affecting younger people in Singapore. This trend is troubling because early onset increases the risk of complications later in life.

5. Heart Disease Risk

“Individuals with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than people without diabetes. This is because diabetes damages the blood vessels, making them more likely to become clogged with plaque. Clogged arteries can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems.

In Singapore, heart diseases are the second most common cause of death, and the prevalence among diabetics is particularly high. According to the Singapore Heart Foundation, about 40% of people with diabetes will develop CVD at some point in their lives. This is why it is so important for people with diabetes to take steps to manage their blood sugar levels and other risk factors for CVD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.”

6. Diet Matters

The Singaporean diet, rich in carbohydrates and sugar, has been cited as a significant contributing factor to the rising rates of diabetes. Being mindful of your nutritional intake, such as reducing consumption of sugary drinks and white rice, can make a significant difference.

7. Exercise is Essential

Regular physical activity is crucial in managing diabetes. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps maintain a healthy weight, both of which are essential in controlling blood sugar levels.

8. Mental Health Connection

“Managing diabetes is a complex and demanding task that can take a toll on both physical and mental health. People with diabetes must carefully monitor their blood sugar levels, make healthy food choices, and get regular exercise. They may also need to take medication or insulin injections. All of these tasks can be stressful, and the stress of living with diabetes can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Emotional stress can make it difficult to manage diabetes. When people are stressed, their blood sugar levels can become more erratic. They may also be less likely to follow their treatment plan. This can lead to serious health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and blindness.

Addressing mental well-being is crucial in comprehensive diabetes management. People with diabetes should talk to their doctor about their emotional health and get support from a therapist or counselor. There are also many self-help strategies that can help to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and spending time with loved ones.

By taking care of their mental health, people with diabetes can improve their overall health and well-being. They can also reduce their risk of serious health complications.”

9. Importance of Regular Checks

Regular medical check-ups and screenings are vital for early detection and ongoing management. The Singaporean government offers subsidized screenings under the Screen for Life program, emphasizing its commitment to tackling this public health issue.

10. Advances in Technology

“Advances in medical technology are making diabetes management easier and more effective. One such advancement is the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. CGM systems are small, wearable devices that track blood sugar levels in real time. This allows people with diabetes to see how their blood sugar levels are changing throughout the day and night, and to make adjustments to their treatment accordingly.

CGM systems have been shown to improve diabetes control and reduce the risk of complications. They are also more convenient and less intrusive than traditional blood glucose monitoring methods. As a result, CGM systems are increasingly being adopted by people with diabetes around the world.

Singapore is at the forefront of adopting CGM systems. In 2020, the Singapore government announced that it would be providing subsidies for CGM systems to all eligible patients. This has made CGM systems more affordable and accessible to people with diabetes in Singapore.

The adoption of CGM systems is a major step forward in the fight against diabetes. These devices offer a promising new way to manage diabetes and improve the lives of people with the condition.”