Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including Singapore, where rates continue to rise. It’s essential for adults diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to actively manage their condition to prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure.
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we aim to provide clear guidance on how to manage diabetes for a healthier life.
“Diabetes is manageable, but it requires commitment to lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, and treatment. Patients should not wait for symptoms to get worse; early detection and proactive management can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications. It’s all about balance—maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and following your prescribed medications or insulin therapy.” Dr Daniel Lim, Oaklife Family Clinic
Understanding Diabetes: The Basics
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. There are two primary types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes: The body does not produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes: The body either doesn't produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, which is more common in adults and linked to lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing diabetes effectively. Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
How Early Intervention Helped Mr Lee
At 55, Mr Lee, a regular patient at Oaklife Family Clinic, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes during a routine health screening. Initially, he felt no noticeable symptoms but decided to take action after speaking with Dr Daniel. “I was shocked because I didn’t feel sick. But Dr Daniel explained that diabetes can progress quietly, leading to major health issues down the road. That really hit me,” said Mr Lee.
He immediately made changes to his diet, incorporating more whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables, and began exercising regularly. Over time, he was able to bring his blood sugar levels down and reduce his dependency on medication.
How to Manage Diabetes Effectively in Singapore
Effective management of diabetes involves several key components:
Dietary Changes: Eating a balanced diet is essential. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting sugar, processed foods, and refined carbs. Consulting a nutritionist can help tailor a meal plan to your needs.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps lower blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
Medication and Insulin: If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medication or insulin therapy to help control your blood sugar. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations closely.
Monitoring Your Blood Sugar: Regular home blood sugar monitoring allows you to track how your body responds to different foods, activities, and medications. Your doctor will recommend the frequency to do this depending on your diabetes control and risk of high or low blood sugar. During your diabetes follow up, your doctor will monitor another blood test called HbA1c, which assesses your blood glucose control over the past few months.
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure: The presence of high blood pressure in patients with diabetes will hasten the progression of kidney disease leading to dialysis. Hence it is important to control your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg or as recommended by your doctor depending on other risks considered.
Preventing Diabetes Complications
Complications from diabetes can affect various parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, and eyes. Early intervention and diligent management can help prevent these issues. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential for staying on top of your condition.
Cardiovascular health: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Eating a heart-healthy diet and staying active can reduce this risk.
Kidney function: High blood sugar levels can lead to kidney damage over time. Diabetes is the main cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis in Singapore. It’s important to have your kidney function monitored regularly.
Eye care: Diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy, leading to vision loss if untreated. Annual diabetic eye screening is recommended.
Foot care: Diabetes can cause damage to the nerve and blood vessels supplying the foot, which may lead to foot ulcers, foot deformity and risk of foot amputation. Annual diabetic foot screening is recommended.
Take Control of Your Health
Diabetes is a serious condition, but it can be managed with the right approach.
As Dr Daniel advises, “Don’t let diabetes control your life—take charge of it with a proactive mindset.”
With early intervention, proper care, and lifestyle changes, you can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent complications.
FAQs About Diabetes Management in Adults
Q: How often should I check my blood sugar?
A: The frequency of monitoring depends on your treatment plan. For those on insulin, it may be daily. For others, less frequent checks might be sufficient, but always follow your doctor's advice.
Q: Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed?
A: In some cases, Type 2 diabetes can be managed so well that blood sugar levels return to a normal range. This is more likely with early intervention, weight loss, and a healthy lifestyle. However, it’s important to maintain these changes to prevent relapse.
Q: What are the long-term complications of unmanaged diabetes?
A: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, vision problems, nerve damage, and even amputations.
Q: What should I do if my blood sugar levels are consistently high?
A: Speak to your doctor immediately. Adjustments to your medication, diet, or exercise plan may be needed.
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we provide comprehensive care and support for managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our diabetes management services.