Navigating Pre-Diabetes: A Qualitative study of Patient Experiences and Healthcare System Challenges in SG
Applied/Translational Research
Singapore Health Biomedical Congress
National Healthcare Group
13 January 2026
To explore the lived experiences of individuals with pre-diabetes in Singapore as they navigate healthcare services, to. Findings highlight the need for coordinated multilevel collaborations between stakeholders to enhance pre-diabetes care and outcomes.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 13 January 2026
Tags: Applied/Translational Research, Qualitative Research
About this Content
Aims
To explore the lived experiences of individuals with pre-diabetes in Singapore as they navigate healthcare services, to identify gaps in care delivery.
Background
The global burden of pre-diabetes Mellitus continues to rise, with 5-10% of adults progressing to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus annually, straining healthcare systems worldwide. There remains a critical knowledge gap in understanding why interventions are not achieving their intended outcomes despite concerted national efforts.
Methods
Purposive sampling, investigator, methodological and data triangulations, one-to-one in-depth interviews (n=13), referrals from clinicians or self, aged 21 and above, proficient in English, Chinese, Malay, or Tamil, diagnosis of pre-diabetes, reflexive thematic analysis, interrater reliability = 0.76, Nvivo V.14.
Results
53.8% of the sample were not aware of the Diabetes risk assessment tool, and 46.2% were not aware of the Screen for Life Programme. Majority were seeking regular care for pre-diabetes.
Conclusion
Findings highlight the need for coordinated multilevel collaborations between stakeholders to enhance pre-diabetes care and outcomes.
Lessons Learnt
Knowledge regarding preventive health screening and pre-diabetes was inadequate. Substantial multilevel barriers at personal, social, work, and healthcare levels were identified. Enablers included fear of diabetes progression, strong family and social support networks, and positive therapeutic relationships with healthcare teams.
Keywords
Pre-Diabetes, Healthcare System, Patient Experiences
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Institute of Mental Health, Admiralty Medical Centre, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health |
Platform(s) | Singapore Health Biomedical Congress |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Endocrinology |
Project Lead(s) | Asharani Pezhummoottil Vasudevan Nair |
Project Member(s) | Madhumitha Ramu |
Connect with this contributor!
Asharani Pezhummoottil Vasudevan Nair - asharani.pezhummoottil.vasudevan.n@nhghealth.com.sg