According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), approximately one in three Singaporeans faces a lifetime risk of developing diabetes. Learn what the different types of Diabetes and their symptoms for early detection and prevention.
What Is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a condition where your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas. This results in your body being unable to produce sufficient insulin, or any insulin at all. Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the movement of glucose (sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used for energy.
Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in children and young adults, which is why it was previously known as juvenile diabetes. It was also formerly referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms
Symptoms can come on very quickly. They include:
Extreme thirst
Increased hunger (especially after eating)
Dry mouth
Upset stomach and vomiting
Frequent peeing
Unexplained weight loss (despite eating and often feeling hungry)
Feeling tired or weak for no reason
Vision changes
Heavy, labored breathing (your doctor may call this Kussmaul respiration)
Repeated infections of your skin, urinary tract, or vagina
Mood changes
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that impairs your body's ability to use insulin properly. While it is most common among middle-aged and older adults, it also affects children and teenagers, primarily due to the rise in childhood obesity. Previously known as adult-onset diabetes or diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes is now recognized as a condition that can occur at any age.
Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes. In the U.S., about 1 in 10 people have it, and nearly 1 in 3 have prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be so mild that you don't notice them. About 9 million people have it and don't know it. Symptoms include:
Being very thirsty
Peeing a lot
Blurry vision
Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
Fatigue/feeling worn out
Wounds that don't heal
Yeast infections that keep coming back
Feeling hungry
Weight loss without trying
Getting infections
If you have dark rashes around your neck or armpits, see your doctor. These are called acanthosis nigricans, and they can be signs that your body is becoming resistant to insulin.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy in individuals who have never been diagnosed with diabetes before.
There are two types of gestational diabetes: Class A1, which can be managed with diet and exercise, and Class A2, which requires insulin or other medications.
Although gestational diabetes typically resolves after childbirth, it can impact your baby's health and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Taking proactive steps can help ensure both you and your baby remain healthy.
Gestational Diabetes Symptoms
If you have gestational diabetes, you usually don’t have symptoms or might blame them on pregnancy. Most find out that they have it during a routine screening. You may notice that:
You’re thirstier than usual.
You’re hungrier and eat more than usual.
You pee more than usual.
What is it? | Risk Factors | |
Type 1 Diabetes | Chronic condition where pancreas is unable to produce insulin normally. | • Family history of diabetes • Also suffer from pancreatic diseases |
Type 2 Diabetes | The most common form of diabetes where your body is unable to use insulin properly. | • Close relatives with diabetes • BMI of 23.0 kg/m2 or higher • Inactive lifestyle • History of gestational diabetes • Abnormal blood cholesterol/lipid levels • High blood pressure • Aged 40 years and above • Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose |
Gestational Diabetes | Gestational diabetes happens when women without diabetes show high blood glucose during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. | • Overweight or obese • Family history of diabetes • You previously gave birth to a baby who weighed 4kg or more at birth • You had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy |
How To Fight Diabetes?
Early detection and regular health checkups are vital for identifying and managing diabetes effectively. Detecting diabetes at an early stage allows for timely intervention, which can prevent or delay complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems. Routine health screenings, including blood glucose tests, help monitor risk factors and provide a clear picture of an individual's metabolic health. Early diagnosis of diabetes enables healthcare providers to develop personalized treatment plans, incorporating lifestyle changes, diet, and medication to manage the condition effectively. By prioritizing regular checkups and early detection, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the long-term impacts of diabetes.
Our Comprehensive Health Screening Services That Includes Diabetic Panel:
Package 2: Advanced Health Screening $80
Package 3: Superior Health Screening $140
Package 6: Vitality Health Screening $250
All blood tests in our Health Screening Packages can be done non-fasting.
All Health Screening Packages comes with Complimentary Post-Screening Consultation with our doctor if your results are abnormal.
Health Screening Packages 3 to 6 comes with a Personalized Health Report.
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