The Tests You Shouldn’t Ignore
Are You at Risk Without Knowing It?
Imagine waking up every day, feeling a little more tired than usual, getting thirsty more often, or noticing that small wounds take longer to heal. Would you brush it off as aging or stress? These are early signs of diabetes, and many Singaporeans don’t realize they have it until serious complications arise. With diabetes affecting 1 in 10 adults in Singapore, early detection is critical. So, how do you check for diabetes in Singapore? What tests are available, and where can you get screened? This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Why is Diabetes Screening Important?
Diabetes is often called the “silent disease” because many people don’t experience noticeable symptoms until the condition has progressed. Early detection can prevent complications like:
✅ Kidney failure
✅ Heart disease
✅ Nerve damage
✅ Vision loss
📊 Key Fact:
- 1 in 3 people with diabetes in Singapore is undiagnosed.
- Early detection can delay or even prevent Type 2 diabetes.
The good news? Getting tested is quick, easy, and accessible. Let’s explore the available options.
Who Should Get Checked for Diabetes?
While anyone can develop diabetes, some people are at higher risk and should get screened regularly.
🔍 You should check for diabetes if you:
✔️ Are 40 years or older
✔️ Have a family history of diabetes
✔️ Are overweight or obese
✔️ Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
✔️ Are physically inactive
✔️ Belong to a high-risk ethnic group (e.g., Malay or Indian Singaporeans)
✔️ Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
If any of these apply to you, it’s time to book a screening.
How to Check for Diabetes in Singapore: Testing Options
There are several ways to check for diabetes, from home monitoring to lab tests at clinics and hospitals.
1️⃣ Blood Glucose Tests (Finger-Prick Test) – Quick & Simple
📌 What it is: A small blood sample is taken from your fingertip to measure blood sugar levels.
📌 Where to get it: Available at pharmacies, GP clinics, and hospitals.
📌 Best for: A quick check but may not be 100% accurate.
💡 Tip: You can buy a home blood glucose meter to monitor your sugar levels regularly.
2️⃣ Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) Test – Standard Screening
📌 What it is: Measures blood sugar levels after an 8-hour fast.
📌 Where to get it: Polyclinics, private clinics, and hospitals.
📌 Best for: Diagnosing prediabetes or diabetes.
Results Interpretation:
| Blood Sugar Level (mmol/L) | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Less than 6.1 | Normal |
| 6.1 – 6.9 | Prediabetes |
| 7.0 and above | Diabetes |
💡 Tip: If your results are borderline, your doctor may recommend further tests.
3️⃣ Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – Gold Standard for Diagnosis
📌 What it is: You drink a glucose solution, and blood sugar levels are measured before and after.
📌 Where to get it: Hospitals & clinics offering specialist diabetes care.
📌 Best for: Confirming diabetes diagnosis or detecting gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
Results Interpretation:
| Blood Sugar Level (mmol/L after 2 hours) | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Less than 7.8 | Normal |
| 7.8 – 11.0 | Prediabetes |
| Above 11.1 | Diabetes |
4️⃣ HbA1c Test – Measures Long-Term Blood Sugar Control
📌 What it is: Measures average blood sugar levels over 3 months.
📌 Where to get it: Hospitals, private clinics, and polyclinics.
📌 Best for: Tracking long-term diabetes control.
Results Interpretation:
| HbA1c Level (%) | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Below 5.7% | Normal |
| 5.7 – 6.4% | Prediabetes |
| 6.5% and above | Diabetes |
💡 Tip: This test is often used alongside fasting glucose tests for accurate results.
Where to Get a Diabetes Test in Singapore?
🏥 Polyclinics & Government Clinics (Affordable & Subsidize
✅ Cost-effective option with government subsidies.
✅ Available at SingHealth, NHG, and Sengkang polyclinics.
✅ Longer waiting times due to high demand.💰 Estimated cost: $5 – $15 for Singaporeans under subsidies.
👨⚕️ Private Clinics & Hospitals (Faster & More Personalized)
✅ Faster results & shorter waiting times.
✅ Comprehensive diabetes management plans.
✅ Higher cost compared to polyclinics.💰 Estimated cost: $50 – $150, depending on the test.
🏠 Home Testing Kits (Convenient but Not Diagnostic)
✅ Available at pharmacies like Guardian & Watsons.
✅ Good for routine monitoring but not a replacement for medical diagnosis.💰 Estimated cost: $30 – $100 per kit.
What Happens After a Diabetes Test?
🔍 If your results are normal:
- Continue with a healthy lifestyle and check again every 3 years.
⚠️ If you have prediabetes:
- Adopt a low-sugar diet and increase exercise to prevent full-blown diabetes.
- Follow up yearly with a doctor.
🚨 If you are diagnosed with diabetes:
- Work with a doctor to manage your diet, medication, and lifestyle.
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
Can You Prevent Diabetes?
Yes! 80% of Type 2 diabetes cases are preventable through lifestyle changes.
Tips to Lower Your Risk:
✅ Eat fewer refined carbs & sugar – Swap white rice for brown rice.
✅ Exercise regularly – Aim for 150 minutes per week.
✅ Drink more water, less soda & juice.
✅ Get screened early if you are at risk.
Knowledge is Power
Knowing how to check for diabetes in Singapore is the first step in taking control of your health. Diabetes can be silent but deadly, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
👉 Take action today. Schedule a screening, encourage family members to check their health, and start making better lifestyle choices. Your future self will thank you!
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