Did you know that Singapore has the second-highest proportion of diabetics among developed nations? 1 in 9 local residents suffer from this health problem.

You’d surprised to know that Singaporeans as young as 18 years old are diabetic.

Diabetes can be prevented but if you continue to do these 9 things, you’re definitely at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (non-genetic).

1) Can’t say no to chilled soft drinks

Studies have shown that if you drink one or two cans of sugary drinks everyday, it increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26 percent!

2) Drink two cups of Kopi C a day

Nothing can beat coke – it is seriously the sweetest drink ever with 10 teaspoons of sugar in a can. But your local favourites like Kopi C and Teh C are also equally guilty of contributing to your spike in blood sugar.

3) Choose white rice over brown anytime

White rice has a higher glycemic index (GI) score than brown rice. The higher the GI, the faster it affects the blood sugar level. Also, each serving of white rice a day increases the risk of diabetes by 11 per cent!

4) Eat until you’re 100% full

One of the reasons why the Japanese live longer is because they only eat until they’re 80% full. If you eat too much, your body will be overwhelmed and you’ll gain weight more easily. Being overweight is one of the risks for type 2 diabetes.

5) Taking shuttle bus to MRT station

If you constantly rely on shuttle bus to get to the train station, you’re likely to choose the easy way of moving about without having to exert too much energy. This makes you inactive!

6) Facing the computer the entire day

Do you have a desk-bound job? If you find yourself facing the computer for prolonged periods without taking breaks, you’re likely to be even more inactive.

7) Too busy to exercise

How often do you tell yourself you are “too busy to exercise” or “too tired to work out”? If you prioritise work and after-work activities over the need to stay active, your body can’t find a natural way of reducing the excessive blood sugar in your body.

8) Skip medical checkups

If you detest medical checkups for fear of knowing the unknowns or simply just too lazy to get yourself checked, you will not know how likely you’re to develop diabetes.

9) Not knowing your family history

If your parents or grandparents have a history of type 1 diabetes, this increases your chance of developing this health problem. Type 1 diabetes is usually genetic so if you’re not aware of your own family history, you’ll only have yourself to blame in future if anything happens.

Would you rather “suffer” now and enjoy later or enjoy now and suffer later?

Remember, type 2 diabetes can be prevented as long as you watch your diet and keep up with an active lifestyle.

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