Young people with
beer belly at high risk of getting diabetes in their
30s
SINGAPORE - If you are aged under 30 and already have a beer belly,
you have a high chance of getting diabetes in your 30s, according
to the clinical research unit at the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
(KTPH).
The team studied close to 2,000 diabetics, including 643 who had
diabetes relatively young at a mean age of 33, and found a
significant link between a fat belly and diabetes.
The findings were shared on Nov 6 at the start of the three-day
Alexandra Health Forum to share research findings and best
practices to improve patient care.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong was the guest of honour at the
forum.
Another team shared their findings on how older patients on five or
more medications, who are also frequently in hospital, stay for
shorter periods if the number of medicines they are on are
reduced.
KTPH's chief pharmacist, who led the research into this, said: "The
prescription of multiple medications to patients may cause more
harm than good, especially if the patient is elderly and has
multiple conditions.
"In healthcare, although we practise 'evidence-based medicine',
there is still a need to individualise care and not be too caught
up in following treatment guidelines to a 'T'."
About 400 healthcare professionals are expected to attend the forum
held at KTPH.
ST