To what extent can diabetes be managed without medication? 

Change Your Life in 30 Minutes: The Importance of Health Screening

Is Early Stage Lung Cancer Curable?

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The war on diabetes was declared in 2016 by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Singapore. It is a serious yet necessary stance , given that an estimated 1 million adult Singaporeans will suffer from  diabetes by 2050.
Diabetes is often ignored as it may not cause any problems initially; but eventually, it can result in a variety of severe medical conditions such as kidney damage, heart disease and even glaucoma. While diabetes is a lifelong condition, it can certainly be managed and many patients go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
In this article, we’ll cover:

What is diabetes?
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic, life-long condition that affects how your body uses sugar for energy. Your body breaks down a majority of the food you eat into sugar or glucose, which is then released into your bloodstream and distributed to all parts of your body.

Once the sugar is released into your bloodstream, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. This allows sugar in your blood to be used by the cells in your body as energy.
However, when someone has diabetes, due to either insufficient insulin or your body’s inability to use the insulin properly, the sugar in your blood cannot be broken down and will accumulate.

What is the rate of diabetes in Singapore?

Approximately 400,000 Singaporeans have diabetes and about 1 in 3 Singaporeans have a risk of developing diabetes. These numbers are expected to rise to 1 million by 2050.

Symptoms of diabetes may differ between gender and the type of diabetes, but there are also general symptoms to look out for:

In addition to the list of general symptoms stated above, symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop quickly and may also include:

Type 2 diabetes develops slowly, causing many individuals to not even realise they have diabetes. Pay attention to your body and be alert to symptoms.

If you have a combination of any of the symptoms, make an appointment with us and we will guide you on the next steps.

 since your pancreas is unable to make insulin, you will need to take insulin shots to allow the sugar in your blood to be used by your body cells.

 you must keep your blood sugar levels as close to your target level as possible.

 like all diseases, the key is having a healthy lifestyle. Make healthy food choices, engage in regular exercise, control your blood pressure, and control your cholesterol.

 your doctor will advise you on how frequently you need to perform a diabetes test to check the blood sugar level in your body.

 choose healthy foods that are high in fibre and keep your portion sizes small. Consider getting help from a nutritionist to help you plan well-balanced meals to get all your nutritional needs met.

 anaerobic and resistance exercises can help you lose or maintain a healthy weight. These exercises  also help you to regulate your blood sugar levels.

 obesity is one of the leading causes of diabetes. Healthy weight loss can help you keep your blood sugar levels under control, reduce your cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower your blood pressure.

  only prescribed if you are unable to control your blood sugar levels with healthy eating, physical activity, and weight loss.

Can diabetes be managed without medication?

Yes, in some instances diabetes can be managed without medication by implementing some positive lifestyle changes. This is especially true for those with type 2 diabetes. But to stick to a no-medication plan, it is imperative that you adhere closely to the lifestyle changes (e.g. physical activity, weight loss plans) as per your doctor’s advice.

For those with type 1 diabetes, unfortunately, insulin injections are a must due to the body’s inability to naturally produce insulin. Failure to do so can result in dehydration and put the individual at risk of diabetic coma.

At Speedoc, we provide a range of health screening packages. Our Diabetes Management Programme can help you manage your diabetes. The programme includes blood tests, urine analysis to check your kidney function, electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart problems, blood pressure measurement, diabetic foot screening, eye screening, and body mass index (BMI) measurement. All of these are done from the comforts and privacy of your own home!

If it all seems too overwhelming, or you need help getting started in managing your diabetes, contact us at +65 6909 7799, email us at contact@speedoc.com, or download our app to book a video consultation with one of our doctors.

As we step into a brand new year, we reflect on how the previous year went, what we have achieved and how we could do better. However, one of the things we tend to overlook is our physical well-being.

Have we been prioritising our health? Is our body functioning at its peak performance or is it barely getting by? A quick way to get an overview of our health is through a 

. Health screenings not only provide us with a peace of mind but they also allow us to take prompt steps in disease prevention, detection and/or treatment.

Diseases such as stroke, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases often do not display symptoms in the initial stages of development. Not forgetting the more common ailments such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Health screenings are our first line of defence against such “silent killers” – they offer us insights into our bodily functions in the absence of obvious indications and are key to early disease detection and treatment.

Early intervention against any disease involves a two-step process of screening and diagnostic tests.

Health screening packages in Singapore fall under the category of screening tests and are extremely accessible to most people. In the event that any screening test results raise some concerns, your doctor may recommend more comprehensive diagnostic tests to be done.

What does a full health screening include?

A full health screening, also known as a full body checkup, involves different screening tests depending on your:

A general health screening package usually involves a physical examination, anthropometric measurements (height, weight etc), and a urine test that screen for the following:

A more comprehensive screening package would include the aforementioned and additional tests to screen for specific parameters such as thyroid hormone levels, cancer markers and sexually transmitted diseases.

Here at Speedoc, we offer a wide range of affordable 

As your comfort and privacy is our top priority, all health screening services rendered by Speedoc are conducted by a trained nurse in the comfort of your home. Each screening takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a personalised health report in no more than three working days.

Note: After making an appointment using our Speedoc app, you will be required to fill in a health screening questionnaire. Our nurse will also be in contact with you to notify you of any fasting requirements prior to the day of your health screening.

What diseases should you be screened for?

The type of screenings and tests are largely dependent on your age, family history, and general health condition. The following table shows a list of various age-specific screening tests that are recommended by 

How often should you do a full body checkup?

Similarly, the frequency for a full body checkup is also dependent on your age, family history, and general health condition. General health screenings are recommended as such:

If you have been diagnosed with  chronic diseases such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or if you possess any risk factors that may predispose you to certain illnesses, you are advised to visit a doctor for regular follow-ups.

Dos and don’ts before a health screening

If you require help with figuring out which package suits your needs best, feel free to contact us.

 to learn more about our health screening services.

We are approaching the third year of living with COVID-19 in Singapore. Symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and weakness or fatigue are no longer uncommon; many will simply self-medicate or opt for a video consultation to get medication delivered whilst putting themselves under quarantine until these symptoms “go away”.

But what if these symptoms persist? You could have stage 1 lung cancer without realising it. 

 to consult a doctor for professional advice without stepping out of your home!

What is lung cancer and how can I get screened?

Lung cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal lung cells that interferes with how normal lungs should function. These cancer cells can spread from the lung to lymph glands, bones, brain and liver, and other parts of the body.

There are two major types of lung cancer:

In this article, we’ll discuss the telltale signs of early-stage lung cancer, the importance of lung cancer screening, and how often to get screened.

What are the symptoms of stage 1 lung cancer?

It may be difficult to determine if a person has lung cancer; symptoms may not show at all or can be passed off as the regular flu.

However, once obvious characteristic symptoms start to develop, cancer could already be in its 

 [2]. This diagnosis is usually discovered after scans are done for other medical reasons.

Lung cancer in Singapore is more common than you think. From 2014 to 2018, it was 

This is backed up by statistics from the Ministry of Health (MOH): lung cancer is the 

 [3] of cancer death in Singapore — particularly in men and smokers (both current and former).

Non-smokers aren’t entirely protected from this deadly disease as well; in recent years, there has been an increase in lung cancer cases in female non-smokers.

This is partly attributed to the increase in 

 [4] in Singapore, giving way to more non-smokers being at risk of NSCLC.

There are several methods to detect stage 1 lung cancer in Singapore. This includes:

If you show no or minimal symptoms of lung cancer, a chest x-ray can be done as the first stage to determine if your lungs are in good shape. Your doctor may request for more tests to be done if nothing is found or anything suspicious arises.

A CT scan can show a slice of the lung or other parts of your body to determine if any tumours or cancer cells are present.

Current and past smokers can undergo a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan to screen for lung cancer. It is the most common method used to detect abnormalities in the lungs.

However, as with most tests, a CT or LDCT scan may produce false-positive results. A false-positive result is a test result that indicates an individual is affected by a condition when in actuality he/she is unaffected.

In this case, a CT scan for lung cancer may imply abnormalities in the lungs only to be proven false once further testing has been carried out.

What is the average life expectancy after being diagnosed with lung cancer?

A number of factors are taken into account when determining the life expectancy of a lung cancer patient. Some patients manage to beat it, but others may not be so lucky.

 [5] of patients diagnosed in the early stages of lung cancer survive for at least 5 years or more. However, this percentage drops to 6% in the late stages of lung cancer, especially when cancer cells have spread to other areas of the body.

Although early-stage lung cancer is curable, many of these cases stay in remission with the possibility of cancer returning within 2 years. You are considered cured if your remission lasts over a 

The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chances of survival – frequent lung cancer screening is key.

The recommended age for lung cancer screening is between 55 to 80 years old. This applies to:

Lung cancer usually creeps up from age 65 to 70. However, though uncommon, the diagnosis of lung cancer has also been reported in people aged 45 and below. As such, we recommend starting screening as early as 40, especially if you smoke.

Patients have a higher chance of survival when lung cancer is detected early and treatments are started as soon as possible.

How often should I get a cancer screening?

Depending on your age, gender, and overall health condition, the frequency of your cancer screening can vary.

Generally, women are advised to get breast cancer screening annually between the ages of 40 to 49. For men, cancer screening for prostate cancer should start at the age of 50 and above.

If you may be at risk of lung cancer, getting an annual LDCT scan helps to detect any cancer cells before symptoms start and get treatment before it reaches the late stages.

At Speedoc, we provide a variety of health screening packages including cancer screening which can help highlight indicators of varying cancers. You will receive a comprehensive and personalised report that outlines your health risks, with recommendations by our doctor.

Should you require an x-ray or a more detailed diagnostic test, our doctors will be able to assist and advise accordingly as well.

If you have a family history of cancer or simply wish to get peace of mind, you can reach us at 

 to book a video consultation with our doctors.

Did you know for most people, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) usually clears on its own. But for some others, HPV can lead to certain cancers and diseases. Opting for a Gardasil 9 vaccination can help protect your loved ones and yourself.

  and you can easily consult a house call doctor within the privacy of your home!

What is HPV and how can Gardasil 9 help me?

HPV is a viral infection that is primarily passed between people who have sexual contact, and it can affect your genitals, mouth, or throat. Typically, sexually active women and men will be infected at some point in their lives.

Many assume that once a person is infected with one type of HPV, he/she will not be infected with another. The good news is that even if you have been infected with one type of HPV, Gardasil 9 can protect you from certain cancers caused by other types of the HPV virus.

Gardasil 9 protects individuals between 15 and 45 years of age against the following diseases caused by 9 types of HPV:

^ denotes HPV Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58

* denotes Genital warts HPV Types 6 and 11

Gardasil 9 comprises a 3-dose schedule. Persons who are 15 to 45 years of age* can expect to take their second dose 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose 6 months after the first dose.

If you are above 26 years old or a male aged 9 and above and wish to receive the HPV vaccination, you are advised to speak to a doctor to find out if it may benefit you.

Before opting for the HPV vaccination, you should consult a doctor who will assess your medical history and well-being. Do note that these side effects may occur after the vaccination:

What are the signs and symptoms of a HPV infection?

People suffering from it won't know until it causes serious health problems because symptoms rarely present themselves. At times, people find out that they have HPV when they check for genital warts.

As such, regular checkups help to find out if you’re at risk of the cancer caused by HPV. According to the Singapore Cancer Society, HPV tests should be done at least once every 5 years. You can speak to a doctor via video consultation before opting for the vaccination.

Speedoc's Gardasil 9 vaccination is priced at 

, which includes a video consultation and 3 nurse home visits.

 to learn more about the HPV Vaccination for extra protection today.

Anemia is a disorder of the blood that results in an inadequate supply of oxygen to the peripheral tissues, primarily due to changes in the red blood cells. There are several types of anemia including pernicious anemia, megaloblastic anemia, hypochromic anemia, and iron deficiency anemia.

The most frequent kind of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia, which happens when your body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin (protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen to the surrounding tissues).

Someone with iron deficiency anemia may be asymptomatic at first, to an extent that it goes unrecognised. However, when the body's iron deficiency reaches an unprecedented level leading to lack of nutrition and oxygen to the tissues, the signs and symptoms may worsen.

Iron deficiency anemia has some classic signs and symptoms, including:

Iron deficiency anemia may occur when your body does not have enough iron to create hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is an important component of the red blood cells that not only provides blood its red colour but allows red blood cells to transport oxygenated blood throughout the body.

Red blood cells in the blood contain hemoglobin which has iron as its main component. If you lose blood due to a traumatic injury, you lose some iron too. Blood loss during menstruation in women, especially in case of heavy periods, can also cause iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia can also be caused by slow, chronic blood loss within the body, such as from a gastric ulcer, a hiatal hernia, a colon tumour, or hemorrhages.

Regular use of various over-the-counter pain medications, particularly aspirin, might result in gastrointestinal bleeding which may lead to lower iron levels in the body.

Your body obtains iron daily from the foods you consume; if you ingest insufficient iron, your body may become iron deficient over time.

Meat, green leafy vegetables, eggs, and iron-fortified foods are examples of iron-rich foods. Infants and children, especially, require iron in their meals for optimal growth and development.

Iron from meals is absorbed into your circulation through your small intestine. An intestinal problem, such as celiac disease, can cause iron deficiency anemia. It reduces your intestine's capacity to absorb maximum nutrients from digested food.

Iron deficiency anemia may develop in many pregnant women who lack iron supplementation because their iron stores must service an increased blood volume and provide hemoglobin for the growing fetus as well.

How to get tested for iron deficiency anemia?

There are several blood tests that can be used to diagnose iron deficiency anemia.

A complete blood count (CBC) is typically the first test used by a doctor. A complete blood count (CBC) determines the number of cellular or cell-related elements in the blood, such as:

A CBC test is frequently conducted as part of a standard health examination. This test is beneficial for diagnosing this kind of anemia since most iron-deficient people are unaware of it. Your doctor may conduct further blood tests to establish your anemia's severity and the type of anemia to identify treatment options.

The amount of iron in the blood is measured by a serum iron test. Low blood iron levels may be a sign of iron deficiency.
This is a generic test, and medical professionals may utilise other tests to learn more about the causes and circumstances causing low levels.

The level of ferritin in the blood is determined by a ferritin blood test. Ferritin is a protein that aids in storing iron in the body, and low ferritin levels imply poor iron storage.

Doctors can determine how much iron is stored in the body by looking at ferritin levels. Low ferritin levels signal iron deficiency and low iron storage.

A blood test called total iron binding capacity (TIBC) measures the blood's iron levels. In order to look for indicators of anemia, doctors may administer this test together with transferrin testing.

When TIBC levels are high, low iron levels in the blood from iron deficiency anemia may be present. In several other types of anemia, such as anemia caused by the oxidation of red blood cells, TIBC levels may be low.

A protein called transferrin allows iron to connect to it and enter cells. To ensure that iron can enter the cells, the body must have enough transferrin.

In an effort to make the available iron in the body more available when levels of iron are low, the body produces more transferrin.

A soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) test can be used by doctors to screen for high levels of transferrin, which may be an indication of iron deficiency anemia.

A peripheral smear is an analysis of a little sample of blood using a microscope. Under a microscope, red blood cells from a person with iron deficiency anemia will be smaller and whiter than usual.

The severity of your iron deficiency anemia and what caused it will determine how you are treated. Most cases of this illness are caused by a shortage of iron in your diet or issues with your body's absorption of the iron you ingest.

Every day, your body expels millions of red blood cells from circulating and replaces them with new ones. Anemia can occur when this mechanism is interrupted. A differential diagnostic test such as CBC can help a doctor discover anemia. Treatment varies, so do consult a doctor before trying any of the treatments mentioned.

Speedoc can help with iron deficiency anemia! 

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