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Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects 20 to 30 per cent of pregnant women in Singapore – one of the highest rates in the world. These women not only face a higher risk of developing diabetes post-pregnancy, but are also more likely to give birth to heavy babies who are at higher risk of developing childhood obesity.Read more

Periods of extreme blood sugar levels put diabetics at significantly higher risk of developing serious complications, according to a recent study by Assistant Professor Kavita Venkataraman and her team. Using more than 11 years of data on blood glucose levels from over 6,000 diabetics aged 52 to 67, the study revealed that the impact of high glucose

The smoking prevalence in Singapore has dropped significantly from 20 per cent in 1984 to 13.3 per cent in 2013. However, it has plateaued over the last 10 years, indicating that the proportion of new smokers has gone up to ‘replace’ those who have died from or quit smoking. This means more aggressive efforts are

A recent study led by Professor Tai E Shyong and Assistant Professor Dr Sim Xueling, along with other researchers, has discovered, for the first time in Asians, the PCSK9 gene that affects cholesterol. The gene had only been identified in Europeans until now. Analysing nearly 69,500 individuals from 6 countries (Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore),

Following an anonymous donation of $15,000 to the School this year, the Lee Hin Peng Medal was established in recognition of Emeritus Professor Lee Hin Peng’s stellar achievements and contributions to public health in Singapore and the region. With effect from this semester, the university-level medal will be awarded annually to a graduating student from the Master

In collaboration with the School and Mediacorp, the Tampines Group Representation Constituency engaged its residents at the ‘Eat Healthy, Live Healthy’ talk-show held at Our Tampines Hub on 20 September 2017. Professor Teo Yik Ying, Vice Dean (Research), and Dr Mary Chong were featured as panellists, together with Mr Desmond Choo, Mayor of the North East Community Development

“In order to fully realise the potential of the influenza vaccine – a life-saving innovation, people need to be willing to take it.” Vaccines play a vital role in healthcare, but take-up rates are far from ideal. Dr Heidi Larson, professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and Dr Neisha Sundaram, research

Achieving less than one workplace fatality per 100,000 workers requires Singapore to look beyond Vision Zero, an approach which appears to focus predominantly on tackling workplace safety hazards and, at most, occupational and work-related diseases. To make this goal a reality, Singapore needs to widen its perspective and recognise that the prevention and management of

With more than 480 fast food outlets in Singapore, it is no wonder that Singaporeans are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out. In fact, fast food sales have increased by seven per cent over the last year. A study by Associate Professor Rob van Dam and Dr Salome Rebello, along with the NUS Yong Loo Lin School

For Asians, just looking at Body Mass Index (BMI) levels is not a good enough measure of obesity. Compared to our Caucasian counterparts, Asians tend to store fat around our internal organs. Because of this, it may not be obvious if we are at risk of diabetes because we have BMI levels in the ‘normal’