BY CHERYL LIM

ABOUT 100 people might not have discovered that they were diabetic, if a new mobilescreening service had not detected their high blood-sugar levels.

Another 329 people - known diabetic patients - found out that their condition had deteriorated via the same service, offered on a bus that makes stops at community centres.

They were among 873 people who were screened by The Diabetic Society of Singapore, which started the mobile-screening service in April last year. Its president, Mr Yong Chiang Boon, said: "The mobile-screening clinic encourages residents to take tests that they might not have had the motivation to take, because screening is now done right at their doorstep."

One in 11 people here aged between 18 and 69 suffers from diabetes. The condition can lead to kidney failure and foot amputation, underscoring the importance of early detection, Mr Yong said.

The service was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean yesterday, at an outreach fair held by the North East Community Development Council (CDC). He lauded it for "bringing health-screening services to a place that the residents are familiar with". The Diabetic Society aims to screen at least 3,400 more people in the north-east district next year, and about 6,800 people from other districts.

The bus will make its rounds among 17 community centres in the north-east district. Residents will be referred by general practitioners there, who will be told about it by the CDC and residents' committees.

Those with no known symptoms of diabetes will have their blood sugar, blood pressure, and body mass index measured. Diabetics will get a blood sugar-level test, and checks for their eyes and feet. If the tests are done at the society's three clinics, those who do not have diabetes pay $10 while diabetic patients pay $30, after Health Ministry subsidies.

If they visit the mobile clinic, they will get extra subsidies from the Lion's Club International Foundation and pay only $2 and $6 respectively.

North-east district resident Jamie Lim, 55, said: "If the screening wasn't so convenient, I might not be bothered, but since it will be done opposite my house, I don't mind going."

cheryll@sph.com.sg