Diabetes in Singapore: A growing concern
Types of diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin.
Risk factors for diabetes
There are a number of risk factors for diabetes, including:
- Age: The risk of developing diabetes increases with age.
- Family history: If you have a close family member with diabetes, you are more likely to develop the disease yourself.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
- Physical inactivity: People who are physically inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
- Ethnicity: Singaporeans of Chinese and Indian ethnicity are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes
The common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
Complications of diabetes
Diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Blindness
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Amputation
Preventing diabetes
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing diabetes, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding smoking
Managing diabetes
If you have diabetes, there are a number of things you can do to manage your condition, including:
- Taking medication as prescribed by your doctor
- Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
Support for people with diabetes in Singapore
There are a number of organizations in Singapore that offer support for people with diabetes and their families. These organizations provide education, counseling, and other resources to help people with diabetes manage their condition and live healthy lives.
Here are some of the organizations that offer support for people with diabetes in Singapore:
- Diabetes Singapore
- Health Promotion Board
- National University Hospital
- Singapore General Hospital
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital
If you have diabetes, or are at risk of developing diabetes, please reach out to one of these organizations for support.
