Y Diabetes, a diabetes awareness movement was launched on 5 November 2016 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre by Minister of State for Communication & Information and Health, Mr Chee Hong Tat, in commemoration of World Diabetes Day which falls on 14 November 2016.
Powered by youths, and co-organised by Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and TOUCH Community Services (TOUCH) for the very first timeY Diabetes aims to bring about greater awareness of diabetes (both Type 1 and 2), its impact on lives and how everyone can play a part to support the diabetes community.
Said Executive Director of TOUCH, Mr James Tan, “It is estimated that by 2030, over 600,000 people will be living with diabetes in Singapore. It is also projected that 34% of those aged 24-45 this year can expect to have diabetes by the time they are 65. That is why it is important for young people to understand more about diabetes early, and we hope to help achieve that through Y Diabetes.”
Y Diabetes saw some 700 youth volunteers aged 18 to 35 walk the streets to spread the word on diabetes awareness to members of the public. The youth volunteers come from all walks of life, representing TOUCH, TTSH, other hospitals, institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Each youth volunteer approached 10 members of the public to spread diabetes awareness using a special weblink with an ultimate goal to inspire them to become diabetes advocates.
The weblink which was conceptualised by TOUCH Diabetes Support, a service of TOUCH, and TTSH, contains information such as the types of diabetes, symptoms of diabetes, how people can show support to people living with diabetes, and useful links and helplines. Through this mobilisation campaign, Y Diabetes aims to reach out to some 100,000 youths in Singapore by the end of November.