Behind the Label: The Truth About “Reduced Sugar” Claims
In today’s health-conscious world, many consumers are drawn to food labels that promise to deliver on various health benefits. Phrases like “low sugar,” “low carb,” or “low fat” are often prominently displayed on packaging, and they tend to grab attention immediately. After all, who wouldn’t want to make healthier choices? However, these claims can sometimes be deceptive, serving more as a marketing strategy than a genuine indicator of health benefits. The...
Demystifying Artificial Sweeteners: Understand the truth behind this seemingly perfect solution
Artificial sweeteners are low-calorie compounds designed to mimic the taste of sugar. Common ones include Saccharin (Sweet n’ Low®), Aspartame (Equal®), and Sucralose (Splenda®). While they may not spike blood sugar levels like sugar, they can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating and diarrhoea, and some, like erythritol, are linked to higher risks of heart attack and stroke. Artificial sweeteners often present themselves as a tempting alternative to sugar: all the...
Understanding and Analysing Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Reports
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a critical tool in managing diabetes, providing real-time data on glucose levels. This article aims to guide nurses and pharmacists on how to read and analyse CGM reports effectively, enabling effective diabetes management by maximising the potential and capability of the CGM. Key Sections of the CGM Report The following sections provide a comprehensive overview of glucose management during the reporting period, including glucose statistics and targets,...
How Women with PCOS Can Lower Their Risk of Diabetes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a combination of symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels (which can lead to acne, hirsutism, or male-pattern baldness), and polycystic ovaries (enlarged ovaries containing multiple small cysts). PCOS can also cause insulin resistance, which may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health issues. In Singapore, PCOS is...
Optimising Diabetes Management by Mastering the CGM
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are game-changers for diabetes management, providing real-time glucose data and trends that empower users to take proactive control of their health. This constant stream of information allows users to understand how their blood sugar levels respond to various factors such as diet, exercise, and medication. By seeing these patterns, users can make more informed decisions about when to eat, how much insulin to administer, and when...
Interview with Dr. Ben Ong: Manage Diabetes Efficiently Using CGMS
Health Matters Part 1 [audio mp3="https://buzud.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CNA938-Dr-Ben-PART-1.mp3"][/audio] Health Matters Part 2 [audio mp3="https://buzud.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CNA938-Dr-Ben-PART-2.mp3"][/audio] On Health Matters with Daniel Martin, we are privileged to have Dr. Ben Ong from the Arden Endocrinology Specialist Clinic. Dr. Ong is a renowned endocrinologist with extensive expertise in diabetes management, particularly in the use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS). With a dedicated approach to patient care and a keen interest in leveraging advanced technologies, Dr. Ong has been at...
These Foods Are Common But They Spike Blood Sugar Levels
Managing blood sugar is important for people with Type 2 diabetes. Understanding how different foods impact blood sugar helps in making better dietary choices as many foods, even healthy ones, can cause blood sugar to spike significantly. Carbohydrates are one of the basic food groups and they impact blood sugar levels the most, although other factors like fibre, protein, and fat content also play a role. The glycemic index (GI) and...
Understand Type 2 Diabetes to Manage It Better
There are several types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, insulin, the hormone essential for lowering blood sugar levels, becomes less effective. As a result, blood glucose levels remain elevated, leading to hyperglycemia. If left unmanaged, this can have severe health implications, such as cardiovascular diseases, nerve damage, and kidney issues. Type 2 diabetes is primarily characterised by the body's inability...
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This inefficiency leads to elevated blood glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia, which can have severe health implications if left unmanaged. Causes and Risk Factors The precise cause of type 2 diabetes remains unclear, but it involves a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Insulin resistance, where cells in muscles,...
Manage diabetes better by understanding S’pore’s Nutri-Grade system
Diabetes is a significant health concern in Singapore, driven by lifestyle changes and dietary habits. While the prevalence of diabetes in Singapore has stabilised in recent years, it remains at a concerning high, with about one in 12 Singapore residents currently affected by the condition. This highlights the ongoing challenges Singapore faces in managing and preventing diabetes, despite various public health initiatives and educational campaigns aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles. The...