Could You Have Diabetes and Not Know It?

Here’s what doctors want you to know and how you can lower your risk from developing the disease.

- Larraine Sathicq and Helen Foster

We won’t sugarcoat it for you:Singapore has the second highest proportion of diabetics among developed nations. Figures from the latest national Health Survey in 2010 reveal that one in nine Singaporeans aged between 18 and 69 years old is affected by the condition. of these, one in three is unaware that he orshe has diabetes. Based on an estimate from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, the number of diabetics could rise to almost one million by 2050 if nothing is done to curb its onslaught. The good news is that diabetes can be prevented. With the help of experts, we outline the key facts you need to know about the disease, including lowering your risk factor and how to spot the hidden symptoms.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the body’s blood sugar levels stay above normal on a consistent basis. In layman’s terms, that means that diabetes makes it difficult for the body to turn food into energy. When the condition is not well-controlled, it can cause debilitating complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and lower limb amputations.

Dr Daniel Wai, a Consultant endocrinologist at mount elizabeth medical Centre, says, “older Singaporeans have the highest proportion of diabetics at 29.1 per cent, but I see too many young people who have it as well. In fact, almost 4.3 per cent of those who are aged 30 to 39 have diabetes.”

Type 1 Diabetes