Over the past five years the war on diabetes in Singapore has been waged on many fronts, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a speech calling on countries to work together to fight the chronic disease that affects more than 420 million people worldwide are.
The nation’s efforts range from stricter rules on the advertising and sale of sugary beverages to promoting health screening.
For those affected, Singapore strives to optimize care and prevent complications.
“We believe that prevention is better than cure and we strongly encourage Singaporeans to eat healthily and follow their lifestyles,” added PM Lee yesterday in a video speech at the launch of the World Health Organization’s Global Diabetes Compact.
Introduced at a global diabetes summit jointly hosted by the organization and the Canadian government, the pact is designed to help countries implement effective programs to combat diabetes, which can cause serious complications and death.
Around 6 percent of the world’s population suffer from diabetes. By 2030, the total is expected to rise to over 500 million.
More than 400,000 people have diabetes in Singapore. Every third person is said to develop this disease. Costs, including medical costs and productivity, were more than $ 940 million in 2014. It is expected to increase to $ 1.8 billion by 2050.
In addition to causing major problems like heart attacks and strokes, the “invisible disease” can make other diseases, including Covid-19, more difficult to treat.
In his speech, PM Lee outlined various measures Singapore has taken to reduce the prevalence of diabetes.
For example, from the end of this year, pre-packaged sugary drinks must have a nutritional value label with grades A to D. Retailers are prohibited from promoting Class D beverages.
The country also encourages regular physical activity to maintain fitness and reduce obesity, which can lead people to develop diabetes.
The SingHealth Duke-NUS Diabetes Center brings together a variety of specialists and allied health professionals to help diabetics better manage their conditions.
This includes medical social workers as well as podiatrists who can help with foot complications.
“Let us continue to work together to share experiences in preventing and treating this disease and making our peoples happier and healthier,” said Prime Minister Lee.
The launch of the Global Diabetes Compact coincides with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. For many people with diabetes, their bodies either don’t make this hormone or become resistant to it.
In addition to government officials, the event will also be attended by patients who share perspectives on the lack of access to affordable diabetes care around the world. Part of the kick-off event will also focus on insulin and the latest research on the subject.
