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Our Story

Diabetes Singapore in Brief

The Diabetic Society of Singapore (DSS) was founded in 1971 and became a full member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 1977. In 1999, DSS was elected as the secretariat of the IDF-Western Pacific Region. In alignment with the IDF, the Society has commemorated World Diabetes Day annually since 1991, organising talks, lectures, and exhibitions for both members and the public. In 2017, the Society was renamed Diabetes Singapore to reflect its expanding role as the leading voice for diabetes advocacy in Singapore. The organisation was registered under the Charity Act on 27 September 1983.

In 2021, Diabetes Singapore proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of service to the community. The 50th anniversary logo preserves the colour scheme associated with the DS identity, while incorporating design elements that symbolise infinity. This milestone is underscored by the tagline “Supporting Diabetes Care,” reflecting the organisation’s continued commitment to its core mission within the community.

Milestones & Achievements

1971

The Diabetes Society of Singapore (DSS) was founded.

1974

DSS was granted full membership status with the Singapore Council of Social Service

1977

DSS gained full membership status with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

1991

In line with the IDF, the Society began observing World Diabetes Day annually with talks, lectures, and exhibitions for members and the public.

1993

After spending 17 years at the premises of the Singapore Council of Social Services, DSS moved to a new headquarters located at Ang Mo Kio Hospital.

1998

A new satellite centre was opened in Jurong West by then Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tony Tan.

1999

DSS was elected the secretariat of the IDF-Western Pacific Region.

2002

Dr. Lee Boon Yang officially opened a second satellite office, conveniently located on Boon Keng Road.

2006

DSS moved out of its headquarters in Ang Mo Kio Hospital and into Bedok with the opening of its Bedok branch.

2014

DSS was appointed as the organizer for the 10th International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress and the 6th Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes Scientific Meeting.

2017

The Society was renamed Diabetes Singapore (DS) to reflect its growing role as the voice of diabetes in Singapore.

2021

Diabetes Singapore marked its 50th Anniversary, celebrating 50 years of service to the community. The 50th Anniversary logo retained the color schemes representing the DS identity while embracing the concept of infinity in its design elements, underscored by the tagline “Supporting Diabetes Care,” reflecting the organization’s core focus in the community.

2024

On 14 November 2024, Diabetes Singapore was awarded the Charity Transparency Award. An initiative by the Charity Council, the Charity Transparency Award (CTA) and Charity Governance Awards (CGA) aim to promote good transparency and governance in the charity sector by acknowledging the excellent work of charities, while inspiring others to emulate best practices. By achieving this award, DS is being recognised as having good disclosure practices that the Charity Transparent Framework recommends.

Our Founder

The idea of forming an organisation to support and assist diabetes patients first took root in the mind of Dr Frederick Tan Bock Yam more than 40 years ago. His interest in diabetes developed while he was treating patients with the condition at Singapore General Hospital, where he was posted after graduation. At that time, many patients had limited understanding of their illness and how to manage it. During his postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, Dr Tan had the opportunity to work with two eminent endocrinologists: the late Professor Sir Derrick Dunlop at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the late Professor Sir Russell Fraser at the Hammersmith Postgraduate School of Medicine in London, England.

Our Humble Beginnings

The earliest educational meetings and self-care courses were held in the conference room at Alexandra Hospital until 1974. From February 1976 until 1993, the Society was temporarily accommodated in a room rented from the Singapore Council of Social Service. In 1993, DSS relocated its headquarters to Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital. On 22 February 1998, a satellite centre, the DSS Sembawang-Hong Kah Diabetes Education and Care Centre, was officially opened at Hong Kah West Community Club. In 2002, a second centre was established at Boon Keng Road, further expanding the Society’s reach. In September 2006, a brand new centre, aptly named the South-West Diabetes Education and Care Centre, was unveiled.

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