Diabetes Perception Report

Diabetes is a global health crisis, affecting one in ten adults (International Diabetes Federation, 2021; Lin et al., 2020). By 2045, this is expected to rise by 46%, with one in eight adults having diabetes. In Singapore, over 400,000 people currently live with diabetes, a number expected to reach 1 million by 2050; the increasing prevalence among individuals under 40 is particularly concerning (Seah & Yang, 2023). Beyond health risks, this chronic condition poses a significant economic burden on society (Ang et al., 2018; Png et al., 2016; SSHSPH, 2016).

Type-2 diabetes (T2D), the most common form, accounts for over 95% of cases (WHO, 2023). Effective management of T2D requires not only medical interventions but also significant behavioral and lifestyle changes (US CDC, 2024).

Given these findings, to better understand the perception of diabetes in Singapore, IPUR collaborated with Diabetes Singapore, the only registered charity dedicated to the fight against diabetes in Singapore. DiabetesSG organises talks, exhibitions, and community events for members of the public, and in particular, health-screenings free-of-charge that aim to inform participants of their health status, particularly their blood sugar level.

This report aims to summarise the key findings from data collected from health-screening participants during community outreach events conducted between July and October 2024, to better understand their diabetes status, individual perceptions, and the perceived usefulness of potential interventions.

Download the report here.