It is estimated that 1 million Singapore adults will have diabetes by 2050. A conservative estimate suggests that 1 in 9 people, aged 18-69 have diabetes. One projection shows that 1 in 2 Singaporeans will have a lifetime risk of type-2 diabetes by 2050. The ‘War on Diabetes’ – is fought at an individual level.
BE SMART is an evidence-based programme. The starting point is identifying the risk of diabetes. Diabetes Singapore will provide health screening to identify diabetes at-risk individuals among those aged 40-84 years old. Individuals who qualify for the programme will be recruited, to become beneficiaries and will be paired with befrienders. Beneficiaries will be coached to assume a state of readiness to change, on their own terms. After a 6-month journey, results, that is, lifestyle changes and the desired outcomes will be measured. BE SMART is a person-centered approach pairing befrienders with beneficiaries and equipping the latter with the right gear to engage in their own battle with diabetes.
The programme has identified 6 key areas:
- Physical activity
- Diet
- Weight loss
- Stress management
- Smoking cessation
- Moderate alcohol consumption or abstinence
The key outcome is to assess diabetes risk reduction with lifestyle changes.
How do you participate?
This is a community-based programme. Diabetes Singapore will be working with community leaders, grassroot organisations and institutions that represent the interests of various communities. We are looking for volunteers and communities interested in targeting diabetes at-risk individuals.
If you are interested in participating, email us at enquiry@diabetes.org.sg