The Ways To Address The Problem Of Diabetes In Singapore
With the understanding that diabetes (and insulin resistance) is a common cause of high blood sugar levels, it has been made aware that Singaporeans consume an average of 12 tablespoons of sugar a day (of which, 5 tablespoons are from sugary drinks).
There are several ways to address this area in terms of health promotion, with reference to the Ottowa Charter. In terms of ‘Building Healthy Public Policies’, The Ministry of Health has initiated the ‘Let’s Beat Diabetes’ campaign in 2016, which is a collaborative effort between 3 government entities, namely Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) MOH announced in March 2018 that $15m has been set aside to support the food industry to develop lower-sugar desserts, sauces and beverages, in an effort to reduce sugar intake in Singaporeans’ diet, on top of the existing ‘healthier options’ offered such as healthier cooking oil, wholegrain rice and noodles. Such financial budgeting set aside for the health promotion cause has been complemented with the Ministry of Communication and Information (MCI)’s approach for the viral 96-seconds TV commercial video “Kungfu Fighter, Hidden Sugar’ campaign. The video depicts the ‘Guardian of Health’ (known as Kungfu Fighter: A Hero Rices) defeating the ‘Rice Lord’ by emphasizing the benefits of consuming brown rice instead of white rice, suggesting to replace one quarter of each rice serving with brown rice. This is aimed to inform viewers that simple diet changes can lead to many additional health benefits. In terms of ‘Creating Supportive Environments’, Alchemy FoodTech (a Singapore-based food technology start-up) has secured a seven-digit investment.
As the company specializes in developing low glycemic-index (GI) carbohydrates, they believe the funding will help fuel technology and product development, talent acquisition and manufacturing capabilities. This will result in a healthier range of products readily made available to Singaporeans through the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) channel.
In terms of ‘Strengthening Community Actions’ and ‘Developing Personal Skills’, earlier in January 2016, a large group of volunteers has stepped up in an effort to carry our Risk Assessment Surveys, provide tips for healthier habits and even encourage residents to attend health screenings in the East of Singapore. These volunteers were trained by professionals such as sports medicine physicians, dieticians and clinical psychologists. In January 2017, there are intentions to expand their efforts to the West of Singapore.
Lastly, in terms of ‘Reorient Health Services’, the Health Promotion Board has kicked in the ‘Diabetes Prevention Programme’. It is a free-of-charge programme, spanning one year with a combination of nutrition workshops, exercise classes and even a goal-setting workshop, following a ‘self-directed phase’, upon which participants will be required to undergo an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test to determine their condition has improved. With the intention to engage, motivate and equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to make lifestyle changes, it aims to reduce their risks of developing diabetes.
