Who doesn’t love indulging in desserts now and then? But consuming too much sweet stuff can lead to an array of health problems. This includes illnesses like diabetes, which a World Health Organization study recently revealed is fast becoming a major global problem. In short, the number of adults with diabetes has quadrupled worldwide in under four decades to 422 million.
While the illness is mainly a problem in poorer countries, don’t dismiss the statistics just yet. In Singapore, diabetes is the 10th leading cause of death, accounting for 1.7 per cent of total deaths in 2011. In fact, by 2030, the number of Singapore residents above 40 with diabetes is projected to increase by another 200,000. The number of diabetics locally in 2013 was 400,000.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type here, and this condition occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use it properly. To reduce your chances of getting diabetes, following a proper diet is key. Controlling your sugar intake is one good way to ensuring your diet is healthy. Start with these tips to help you reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.
Text: Women’s Day, Bauer Syndication / Additional Reporting: Zarelda Marie Goh