Like many Singaporeans, Nizam thought he would never develop diabetes, especially not when he was merely 24 years old.
In 1996, he was diagnosed with diabetes but took his condition lightly until he had to deal with losing his sight and kidney failure.
His understanding was gathered from what little he heard: diabetes was caused by consuming too much sweet drinks and sometimes could result in the amputation of one’s legs. Why and how was not something he bothered to find out.
However, when he had to deal with the severe complications of the disease, he realised he had to be more proactive in learning about the disease and how to manage it. In 2010, he was diagnosed with glaucoma and had to undergo two operations for his eyes. That episode was subsequently followed by his kidneys failing and the beginning of painful but necessary weekly dialysis.
Nizam’s story is not the first of its kind – an increasing number of Singaporeans are affected by diabetes and are at risk of developing serious complications if they do not actively manage their condition. 2 out of 3 cases of kidney failures are caused by diabetes and almost half of the Singaporeans with diabetes are unaware of their own condition, which means they are not receiving the necessary treatment.
Because of his own harrowing experience, Nizam decided to volunteer as an Outreach Officer with the National Kidney Foundation. In his free time, he makes an effort to go to as many schools as he can to share his story as a diabetic and renal patient.
Through his sharing, he wants to bust the misconception that sugar is the only cause of diabetes. While sugar can be harmful, poor dietary habits and the lack of physical activity can also lead to obesity and increase one’s risk of developing diabetes.
Nizam also firmly believes in sharing information about pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition where one’s blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not at a point where it is high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. It is a warning sign of diabetes and a condition that can be reversed with appropriate lifestyle interventions such as regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Nizam is passionate about sharing the knowledge that pre-diabetes is an opportunity to make positive changes to reverse the condition and deter otherwise serious complications. He has no doubt that the more people know about this, the more they are empowered to pick up healthier habits or change their current lifestyles.
Don’t take diabetes lightly like Nizam did. Take control of your health and assess your risk of developing diabetes by taking the
2-minute Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA) if you’re 18-39 years old, or go for
health screening if you’re 40 years old and above. With early detection, you can turn your life around too.
If you have diabetes, please consult your doctor/dietician before making any dietary changes.