SPEECH BY A/PROF MUHAMMAD FAISHAL IBRAHIM, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AT WORLD DIABETES DAY 2013 EVENT ORGANISED BY DIABETES SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE ON 10 NOVEMBER 2013

Mr Yong Chiang Boon, President of the Diabetic Society of Singapore,

Dr Kevin Tan, Chairman of the Organising Committee for World

Diabetes Day Singapore 2013 and Vice President of the

Diabetic Society of Singapore,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen.

Good morning.

Introduction

1          I am pleased to be invited to this year’s World Diabetes Day Singapore which is part of the Diabetic Society of Singapore’s activities. The World Diabetes Day Singapore is an annual event organised by DSS since 1991.  This year, which is the fifth year for the International Diabetes Federation’s “Diabetes Education and Prevention” campaign continues to inspire and engage local communities to promote and disseminate education and prevention messages.

The Disease Burden of Diabetes

2          Diabetes affects 1 in 9 adult Singaporeans, and for those over 60 years of age, as high as 1 in 3. The number of diabetics is therefore expected to increase as our population ages. If we do not stem the rise of obesity among Singaporeans, and encourage Singaporeans to be more physically active, the numbers will go up even more.

3          The economic burden of diabetes is enormous. Worldwide, US$35 billion was spent on diabetes drugs and overall health care costs were estimated at around $465 billion[1]. Beyond the cost of treatment is the quality of life in those affected and their family.  ‘Prevention is better than cure’ and knowing how to prevent the disease or its complications is of key importance to us.

Lifestyle Modification as the Key Thrust of Diabetes Prevention

4          In fact, the most common form of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, is highly preventable and can be well managed with early detection. Type 2 diabetes can be avoided in many cases and even in persons with the condition, dreaded complications of diabetes like kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, blindness and leg amputations can be prevented or delayed considerably.

5          So how do we make an impact and reduce the growing numbers of diabetics? Can we succeed in effecting lifestyle changes like regular physical activity, eating healthily and not smoking?  We must not give up and we must do our part in enabling change for the better.

6          I am leading a task force to develop a Healthy Living Master Plan. We are involving the community, grassroots organisations, healthcare providers and governmental agencies to chart out a road-map towards a healthier Singapore for Singaporeans to more conveniently and easily adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep themselves free from illness and disability for as long a time as possible.

Early Detection and Control of Diabetes

7          We know that early detection is the crucial initial step in the management of diabetes. In many patients, diabetes is not detected until the late complications of the disease arise. In Singapore, about half of all people with diabetes are unaware of their condition[2].  So we must encourage everyone, especially those who are overweight, or have a family history of diabetes, and are at higher risk, to go for regular screening for diabetes.  For example, we have the Integrated Screening Program (ISP) organised by the Health Promotion Board at Community Health Assist Scheme, or CHAS for short, General Practitioner (GP) clinics. To make screening more affordable and accessible, the CHAS has been enhanced to increase the coverage of subsidies for screening tests under the Integrated Screening Program. The recommended tests will be fully subsidised by the government for CHAS patients at CHAS GP clinics.  From 1 Jan 2014, they will also enjoy subsidies for GP consultation charges of up to $18.50 per visit, for their screening and subsequent follow-up consultations, up to 2 times a year.            

8          For those who have diabetes, good control of glucose levels will enable one to have a normal and productive way of life and reduce complications of diabetes. Good control can be achieved by a combination of compliance to medications and regular checks, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and mentally keeping a positive outlook in life. Cost wise, diabetic patients are also able to tap on both government subsidy and Medisave for treatment of diabetes, whether in Specialist Outpatient Clinics or at your family doctor. The Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) for chronic diseases, which includes diabetes and hypertension, allows patients to use their Medisave for outpatient treatment. The CHAS scheme also provides middle- and lower- income citizens the convenience of seeking subsidised treatment for their chronic conditions near their homes at participating GP clinics. 

The Role of the Diabetic Society of Singapore

9          The Diabetic Society of Singapore is well placed to educate and increase awareness of the risks of developing diabetes, and prevent or delay this condition from occurring.  The Diabetic Society of Singapore has always been helping diabetics to improve the management of their diabetes. It has made available free testing of Glycosylated haemoglobin, commonly called HbA1c, which is a measure of blood sugar control. In addition, you can avail yourself to the screening for eye complications and foot problems which are a perennial feature of World Diabetes Day events as well as the counselling on how to manage your diabetes.

10        I am encouraged by the Diabetic Society of Singapore’s service over the past 42 years for patients with diabetes and their families. The Society has strived to improve these patients’ lives by imparting diabetes self-care skills, financial support to the needy with diabetes and subsidised counselling, testing, screening and purchase of glucometers and strips to help in control of their condition. The Society has grown to its current complement of 3 Diabetes Education and Care Centres and a mobile clinic to widen its outreach in Singapore. We hope that its outreach will continue to expand to enable more of us in Singapore to benefit.

Conclusion

11        As our population ages, diabetes will increasingly be a major health concern in Singapore. The government will continue to work with patients, their families, and our healthcare partners to improve the prevention and control of diabetes.

12        Thank you all for being here and I wish everyone a meaningful day of learning and interaction.

[1] Global Healthcare Expenditure on Diabetes for 2010 and 2030. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 87 (2010) 293-301

[2] National Health Survey 2010