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Singapore’s Let’s BEAT Diabetes Program

Health Hub’s Let’s BEAT Diabetes program helps Singaporeans manage the condition.

The purpose of Let’s BEAT Diabetes Singapoore is to Be aware, Eat right, Adopt an active lifestyle and to Take control; it’s a reminder that early detection can make a difference.

In its early stages, diabetes is not felt by individuals, but through a health screening and if the signs are detected early enough, you can prevent the irreversible long-term complications.

While diabetes can affect anyone, you are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you have a parent or sibling with diabetes, are inactive, have a BMI of 23.0kg/m2 or higher, have high blood sugar, have high cholesterol, have a history of gestational diabetes, are 40 and over or if you have glycose intolerance.

If you have blurred vision, feel thirsty constantly, always feel tired, feel hungry constantly, are constantly losing weight despite eating plenty, frequently urinate, have itchy skin around your genitals or notice your cuts and wounds are healing poorly, these are some symptoms that gradually develop with Type 2 diabetes.

Individuals aged 18 to 39 can take a two-minute Diabetes Risk Assessment to find out whether they have a risk of developing diabetes, with those found at higher risk eligible for a subsidised diabetes screening, which is either free or up to $5 per screening.

Those 40 and over can check via Singpass if they are eligible for a subsidised blood glucose test under Screen for Life at $5 or less.

Doctors can conduct three types of blood glucose tests for diabetes; a non-fasting blood test, a fasting blood glucose test and an oral glucose test, which is in two parts.

Contrary to popular belief, diabetes is not caused solely by eating lots of sweets and it cannot be cured; it’s a serious disease.

Diabetes and high blood glucose levels when it’s uncontrolled can lead to kidney disease, damaged nerves and blood vessels, food disease, heart disease such as angina and heart attack as well as a stroke.

Learn more about diabetes and supplements you can take to help manage the condition.