Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects the lives of many Singaporeans. With diabetes statistics in Singapore showing an increase in diagnoses over the years, it’s important to understand what tests are available for diagnosis and how you can manage your heart health if you have diabetes. 

From diabetic cake options to milk for diabetics and understanding different diabetic food choices available in Singapore, this blog post will provide insight into managing both your diet and lifestyle with this chronic illness. Learn about diabetes test Singapore, diabetic cake Singapore, milk for diabetics, as well as other vital information on cardiac care from cardiologists who specialize in helping those living with diabetes maintain their heart health.

Diabetes Statistics in Singapore

Diabetes is a growing health concern in Singapore, with an estimated 1.3 million people living with the condition as of 2023. The prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing over the past decade, and it is now one of the most common chronic diseases in Singapore.

Prevalence of Diabetes in Singapore

According to data from the Ministry of Health (MOH), 11% of adults aged 18-69 years old have diabetes, while 6% are undiagnosed. This means that approximately 7 out of 10 adults have either pre-diabetes or diabetes in Singapore. Additionally, more than half (54%) of those diagnosed with diabetes are above 60 years old.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Singapore

Common risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include:

• being overweight or obese
• having a family history of diabetes
• leading a sedentary lifestyle
• consuming unhealthy diets high in sugar and fat content.

Other risk factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity may also play a role; however, these cannot be modified like lifestyle choices can be changed to reduce risks associated with developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious health condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several tests available in Singapore to help diagnose diabetes and manage its symptoms. Let’s take a look at some of the tests available in Singapore for diagnosing diabetes.

How Does Diabetes Affect Heart Health?

The impact that diabetes has on heart health is a significant one. People who are diagnosed with diabetes have an elevated risk of developing heart disease compared to those who don’t have diabetes. Stroke is another event that has a higher chance of occurring in people who have diabetes.

This is due to the fact that high blood sugar levels actually damage blood vessels and may also lead to fatty deposits building up within the arteries. This results in heart disease and other conditions that have harmful effects on the heart such as:

• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• High blood pressure

Diabetes can be managed through regular exercise, diet, and medications. This would help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and would help improve overall heart health. Monitoring blood sugar levels on a regular basis while working with a healthcare provider makes managing diabetes a lot easier and is important in maintaining heart health.

Effective Ways of Managing Diabetes

There are several ways to effectively manage diabetes and reduce the risk of complications from ever occurring. This includes:

1. Physical activity – Doing regular exercise or engaging in routine physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels resulting in reduced risk of heart disease and any other complications.

2. Healthy diet – A balanced diet that has minimal sugar content but is high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fiber can help keep blood sugar levels on a healthy level.

3. Stress Management – Blood sugar levels can rise with elevated stress so it is best to do stress-reducing steps like deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, or regular exercise.

4. Medication Management – There are medications that can help regulate blood sugar levels. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional in matters that involve prescription medications that can help manage diabetes effectively.

5. Quit Smoking – The heart and blood vessels can be negatively affected by smoking. When these organs are weak, the risks and complications caused by diabetes can be heightened. That is why it is important to quit smoking.

6. Regular Check-Ups – Seeing your doctor on a regular basis for routine checkups and proper blood sugar monitoring has a significant impact on heart health. This helps in making necessary changes and adjustments, especially under certain medications.

It is important to have regular visits and consultations with a healthcare provider to develop and follow a personalized plan for diabetes treatment and management. Doing this can help reduce the risk of developing any complications and improve overall heart health.

Diabetes Tests Available in Singapore

Blood Glucose Test

A blood glucose test is a common diabetes test used to measure the amount of sugar in the blood. This test can be done at home or in a doctor’s office and requires a small sample of blood. The results indicate whether someone has diabetes, prediabetes, or normal glucose levels. If the results are abnormal, further testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

A1C Test

An A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over two to three months and provides an indication of how well diabetes is being managed. It is typically performed by drawing a sample of blood from the arm or finger and measuring it for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). High HbA1c values indicate that more sugar remains in the bloodstream than usual, which could mean uncontrolled diabetes.

OGTT Test

An OGTT measures how quickly your body processes glucose after drinking a sugary drink containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. During this test, you will have your fasting plasma glucose level measured before drinking the solution and then again two hours later after consuming it.

Abnormal results on this test could mean impaired fasting glycemia (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), both of which are risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes later on in life if left untreated.

Diabetes tests are an important part of managing the condition, and Singapore has a wide range of options available. In the next section, we will explore some of the diabetic cake and milk options available in Singapore for those with diabetes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, diabetes is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on heart health. It is important to be aware of the statistics in Singapore and understand how it affects our population. Knowing what tests are available for diagnosing diabetes, as well as understanding treatment is important. 

Additionally, consulting with cardiologists can provide invaluable insight into managing heart health from diabetes. With all these tools at our disposal, we can make sure that those living with diabetes in Singapore stay healthy and safe.

Do you have diabetes or are you at risk of developing it? Take control of your heart health today with the help of our experienced team. Our Heart Specialist Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive and individualized care tailored to each patient’s needs, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. Call us at +65 6235 5300 or send us an email today.

Written by: Dr Michael MacDonald MB ChB, BSc (Hons), MRCP (UK), MD (Research), FESC (Europe).  Dr MacDonald was trained in the UK and is a senior Consultant Cardiologist.