Need Help With Managing Diabetes? Speedoc Is Here For You.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes high blood sugar levels due to the body’s decreased sensitivity to insulin, which causes glucose to move from the bloodstream into the body’s tissues. Food, such as carbohydrates, contain glucose that serves as the main source of energy for our bodies. Insulin – a hormone that keeps the blood sugar level balanced – is secreted to aid in moving glucose into cells, where the glucose can be stored or broken down to produce energy.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, where the body is unable to effectively use insulin to move glucose into the cells to be converted into energy. Over time, the body builds up a resistance to insulin, and insulin production might also decrease. The onset of type 2 diabetes can be avoided with proper diet and exercise.
How common is diabetes in Singapore?
8.6% of Singaporeans were diagnosed with diabetes in 2017, and this percentage is forecasted to increase to 15%, which translates to 1 million people, in 2050. Diabetes was the 10th largest cause of death in Singapore in 2018, accounting for 1.3% of all deaths that year. People aged 40 years and above are at greatest risk, and other factors like obesity, low activity levels, and family history could also increase your risk of developing diabetes.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
Wounds that heal slower than usual
Numbness, weakness or tingling, especially in the feet, hands, and limbs
Frequent urination
Persistent infections, such as urinary tract infections or yeast infections
Abnormal thirst and hunger
Blurry vision
Fatigue
Screening for diabetes
You can get tested for diabetes with a blood test at a clinic or hospital. The 2 common blood tests are the random blood sugar test, where a blood sample is taken at a random time of the day, and the fasting blood glucose test, where a blood sample is taken after fasting overnight. We have also begun to use Hba1c on our diabetes screening to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes.
Speak to your doctor or get in touch with us to schedule a blood glucose test.
Treatments for diabetes
The management of type 2 diabetics varies depending on the individual. Some may only need to adopt a more healthy lifestyle and diet without having to take medication, while others may require medication to manage their condition. In more severe cases, insulin that will have to be injected may be prescribed.
Have a healthier body by adopting an active lifestyle. Learn about full-body workouts that are suitable for seniors.
What is needed to manage diabetes well?
Well-managed diabetes will reduce the risk of complications and rising healthcare costs. As a diabetic, here are the things you need to do to manage your condition optimally:
What happens if diabetes is not managed well?
If not well-managed, diabetes could increase your risk of multiple complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney issues, nerve issues and more.
Our Speedoc doctors have seen patients with a combination of various complications, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even diabetic neuropathy, as a result of uncontrolled diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a serious condition that affects up to 50% of diabetics, and often causes nerve damage in the feet and legs.
Let us help you with diabetes management
We have blood tests to look for early complications, as well as lab tests and medication reminders. We can help by optimally managing your diabetes for you right from the comfort of your home.
Where necessary, our Doctors' can advise whether certain vaccinations that can protect you and your loved ones further are necessary.
Drop us a call or WhatsApp message at our hotline +65 6909 7799, or email us at contact@speedoc.com and we will get back to you within 2 working days.
