Speech By President Tharman Shanmugaratnam At Diabetes Singapore 55th Anniversary Gala Dinner On 25 September 2026

Mr Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament,

Mr Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary,

Dr Hamid Razak, Grassroots Adviser to West Coast-Jurong West GRC,

Dr Bee Yong Mong, President of Diabetes Singapore,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. It is a pleasure to join you in marking Diabetes Singapore’s 55th anniversary, together with many of you who have supported its work over the years.

2. I was happy to support Diabetes Singapore as a Patron for two reasons. Firstly, because we have to do a lot more to bring down the prevalence of diabetes in Singapore. In particular, we have to do more through upstream efforts: do more to change habits as children grow up, and do more to detect its onset early.

3. Secondly, I know that Diabetes Singapore is doing very good work, through education, screening, counselling and community-based support. It is an indispensable player in the national ecosystem required to arrest diabetes.

4. The medical, social and economic case for strengthening early, preventative actions and early detection are compelling. Far better for the wellbeing of individuals and families and our whole society, and far less costly, that we avoid the onset of diabetes by shaping everyday lifestyle choices, rather than trying to tackle the condition once it is advanced, and once other complications come in its wake, such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputations.

5. We need to step up especially in helping children develop healthier habits, starting from the earliest years. Research shows that habits formed then have effects on health through life. For eg, a recent UK study found that limiting sugar exposure during the first 1,000 days of life was associated with about 35 per cent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

6. Research in Singapore points in the same direction. A GUSTO study following children from the ages of two to eight found that those with consistently less healthy patterns of eating, physical activity, sleep and screen use had signs of poorer metabolic health even by age eight, including a reduced ability to regulate blood sugar, even though they did not have a higher Body-Mass Index.

7. There is nothing wrong in the occasional sweet treat, but what we’ve got to avoid is it becoming part of a child’s regular diet. And we know that some families unfortunately face greater challenges in making healthy choices.

8. A study done in 2024 found that among pre-school age children from lower-income households, about a third consumed sweetened drinks daily, compared with 9% of their peers. Actually, even 9% is too high for comfort. But one third of poorer kids drinking sweetened drinks daily is a major risk.We have to find practical and creative ways to support families in making better choices for their future. This is part of what we are seeking to achieve through Grow Well SG.

9. This evening, I am pleased to launch Diabetes Singapore’s Sugar Smart Schools initiative, a pilot for more in-depth efforts involving five schools - two preschools, two primary schools and one secondary school.

10. Diabetes Singapore is also extending its Sugar Smart efforts beyond schools to families and workplaces.

    1. Sugar Smart Families uses interactive talks, hands-on activities and practical learning to help families understand how food choices and physical activity affect blood sugar, and how they can build healthier habits together.

    2. Sugar Smart Companies engages companies in diabetes prevention and health awareness among employees, while also encouraging corporate volunteers to support community outreach.

    3. And as you know, there are also concurrent efforts at HPB to promote healthier eating while dining outside - especially lower-calorie meals and dishes prepared with healthier oils.

11. So let’s keep in mind the broad strokes: go upstream, reach children and families earlier, encourage early screenings and make prevention a more natural part of everyday life.

12. This is important work. And it depends on the people who sustain it over time – staff, volunteers, donors and partners who give their time, resources and support. I thank all of you who have contributed to Diabetes Singapore’s work over the years and wish you well in the work ahead.