SINGAPORE – Children at five schools in Jurong West will learn how everyday choices about food and exercise affect blood sugar, as part of a new effort to tackle diabetes.
Sugar Smart Schools, a one-year pilot initiative by non-profit group Diabetes Singapore, will involve talks and outreach to parents and teachers alongside the children, so the habits taught in school can be reinforced at home.
At the programme’s launch during Diabetes Singapore’s 55th anniversary gala dinner on Sept 25, its patron, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, said the nation has to do more to bring down the prevalence of diabetes.
More can be done through upstream efforts to change the habits of children when they are young, and to detect the onset of diabetes, said President Tharman.
He said the medical, social and economic case for early preventative actions are compelling, as it is better for the well-being of individuals, families and society.
More can be done through upstream efforts to change the habits of children when they are young, said President Tharman.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
It is also far less costly to prevent the onset of diabetes by altering everyday lifestyle choices, rather than trying to tackle the condition once it is advanced, and once other complications come in its wake, such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputations, he pointed out.
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