Are You Getting Enough or Too Much Protein? Protein is Good for You BUT…
Protein: it's the nutrient everyone's talking about in Singapore. From protein-boosted kopi at your local hawker to a dizzying array of protein bars at the supermarket, it's hard to escape the hype. But before you reach for that extra scoop of protein powder, let's get real. Yes, protein is essential, BUT...
Type 5 Diabetes? Get to know this “new” type of diabetes!
Type 5 diabetes, recently recognised by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), represents a pivotal shift in our understanding of diabetes classifications. Driven by childhood malnutrition rather than auto-immunity or obesity, it now accounts for millions of cases—mostly in South and South-East Asia as well as sub-Saharan Africa—yet remains largely under-diagnosed elsewhere. Type 5 diabetes differs fundamentally from other diabetes types. While all forms affect how the body processes glucose, type 5...
Going to Bed Hungry Can Be Dangerous—If You’re Diabetic!
For individuals with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is a delicate balancing act that doesn’t stop when the day ends. Going to bed hungry may seem harmless, but it can lead to serious complications, especially for those on insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications. Experts warn that sleeping on an empty stomach can cause unstable blood sugar levels during the night, potentially resulting in nocturnal hypoglycaemia—a condition that can have...
Diabetes Risk Can Surprisingly Be Lowered by Consuming This Sweet Food
It's a common belief that people with diabetes or those at risk should avoid sweet foods altogether. However, new research suggests that one of the sweetest fruits, mangoes, may actually help improve blood sugar regulation and reduce diabetes risk. Often celebrated for their tropical flavour, mangoes are now being recognised for their potential health benefits, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients. The study, conducted by the Illinois Institute...
Vegetables Are Healthy! But Is a Vegetarian Diet Actually Healthy?
Many people believe that eating vegetables is synonymous with being healthy. In Singapore, this mindset is particularly common, with many associating vegetarian diets with better health, weight management, and even disease prevention. The idea that "vegetables are always good for you" has led to a growing number of people adopting plant-based diets, often under the assumption that cutting out meat automatically results in a healthier lifestyle. While a vegetarian diet...
Five Strategies to Prevent Fatty Liver Disease
The liver, the largest internal organ in the human body, is a powerhouse of activity, performing over 500 essential functions that are critical to maintaining overall health. It acts as the body’s detoxification centre, filtering harmful substances from the blood, metabolising nutrients, and producing bile to aid in the digestion of fats. Additionally, the liver plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels, storing vitamins and minerals, and synthesising proteins...
Singapore Study Shows Strong Link Between Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Poor Sleep Health
A recent study conducted in Singapore has revealed a strong link between poor sleep health and an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in women, particularly those with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This research, spearheaded by the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health (GloW) and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, in collaboration with Harvard T.H....
New Microneedle Technology Developed to Treat Diabetic Wounds
Diabetic wounds, particularly foot ulcers, are among the most serious complications of diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide. In Singapore alone, around 400,000 people live with diabetes, and non-healing wounds lead to about four lower-limb amputations every day. These wounds are not just a medical challenge but also a heavy burden on patients' quality of life and the healthcare system. The difficulty in healing diabetic wounds stems from several factors....
Managing Osteoarthritis: Tips for Healthy Knee Joints in Singapore
Knee joints are essential for mobility and play a vital role in our daily lives. They connect the skeletal structure, allowing smooth movement and protecting the bones from impact. However, as we age or due to overuse and injuries, the cartilage in the knee can deteriorate, leading to osteoarthritis (OA). This degenerative joint condition causes pain, stiffness, and swelling, significantly affecting quality of life. While there is no cure for...
Debunking 5 Common Health Myths Singaporeans Still Believe
Health myths have been passed down through generations, often rooted in cultural beliefs or anecdotal evidence rather than science. While these misconceptions are usually shared with good intentions, they can lead to unnecessary worry, confusion, or even prevent people from making informed health decisions. In Singapore, where traditional practices and modern medicine often intersect, some of these myths persist. Let’s take a closer look at five of the most common...