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Diabetes Management

It is estimated that 1 million adults in Singapore will suffer from diabetes by 2050. Take charge of your health and fight Singapore’s “War on Diabetes".

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas in the body fails to produce enough insulin (hormone that regulates blood glucose level), or when the body is unable to make use of the insulin that is being produced.

Insulin is transported around the body to control the amount of glucose within the bloodstream. Diabetes happens when there is a decrease in insulin production or when the body is not able to use insulin as well as it should, which then leads to the spike in blood sugar levels. Over time, this causes serious health problems such as nerve damage, chronic kidney disease or even the loss of vision.

As there is currently no cure for diabetes, most treatments help patients by managing their symptoms and encouraging lifestyle changes. Speedoc is here to help with home-based diabetes management with professional support, education, health assessments and medicine prescription.

What is a Doctor Home Visit?

What causes diabetes?

Diabetes is caused by a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream due to genetic predispositions or other factors such as lifestyle habits.

There are 3 types of diabetes, namely:

  • Type 1 diabetes

    Type 1 diabetes is similar to Type 2 diabetes and can be found in both adults and young children. However, there are often no signs of Type 1 diabetes in the patient until much later; and symptoms tend to onset suddenly. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and the patient must be administered with insulin daily.

  • Type 2 diabetes

    Type 2 diabetes occurs due to the body’s inability to make use of insulin to effect cell processes and give us energy. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in Singapore and is caused by excess body weight and being inactive or having a sedentary lifestyle.

  • Gestational diabetes

    Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It occurs when the patient has blood glucose levels above normal levels but are not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes are at risk of developing complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Both themselves and their children may be prone to Type 2 diabetes later in life.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Some early signs and symptoms of diabetes:

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Slow-healing sores or cuts
  • Consistently feeling hungrier than usual
  • Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands/ feet

Those with a high BMI and strong family history of diabetes are more likely to develop the condition. Consider scheduling a teleconsultation to talk about screening for diabetes mellitus.

If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and need medication refills or specific blood tests, we also provide medicine delivery and blood tests at home.

Who is at risk of suffering from diabetes in Singapore?

  • Adults aged 45 and up

    Insulin resistance (caused by visceral fat in overweight patients) and decline in the body’s pancreatic function can occur as you get older.

  • Those with a BMI of 23 and above

    This risk is increased if you have a sedentary lifestyle.

  • Those with a family history of diabetes

    This risk is increased if you have a sedentary lifestyle.

For those diagnosed with prediabetes (blood glucose level is higher than normal) – you may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as heart attacks and stroke if your condition worsens due to poor self-management.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes is typically diagnosed during a screening test where your blood glucose levels are examined for any abnormalities (fasting blood glucose test or blood glucose test). You may also be tested for cholesterol levels in your blood as well as a full blood count. It is crucial that as soon as you notice any symptoms of having high blood sugar levels, you are scheduled for an appointment with a trained professional. This way, you can arrange for a blood test at home, and/or seek medical attention for diabetes to be able to better manage it on your own.

What are some treatment options for diabetes in Singapore?

In Singapore, diabetes can be managed the following ways:

  • Introduce more whole grains into your meals
  • Reduce sugar and saturated fat intake
  • Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine
  • Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels within normal range
  • Stay away from cigarette smoking

Some patients may need medication alongside the aforementioned guidelines. For patients with Type 1 diabetes, insulin shots will be prescribed to help replace the insulin that your body is unable to produce on its own.

PACKAGE DETAILS

Managing Your Diabetes At Home

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Package Details
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Overview:
  • All relevant lab tests
  • 1 doctor house call
  • 1 nurse house visit
  • Quarterly review via teleconsultation
  • Medication not included
Programme Details:
Blood tests:
Blood sugar levels
Cholesterol
Full blood count
Urine test to assess kidney health
ECG to detect heart conditions
Blood pressure readings
Diabetic foot screening
Smoking cessation (if applicable)
BMI measurement
Eye screening (optional at extra cost)

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a home-based diabetes treatment programme?
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How many consultations will I get from my doctor?
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Why should I sign up for Speedoc’s CDHM™ Diabetes Management Programme?
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Is diabetes curable?
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Can I film the doctor/nurse during the appointment?
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What is included in Speedoc’s Diabetes Management Programme?
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Who should sign up for the Diabetes Management Programme?
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Why is diabetes so common in Singapore?
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Is diabetes caused by eating sweet food?