Diabetes Singapore launches programme to support 100 families in Taman Jurong to be 'Sugar Smart'

Diabetes Singapore has launched the Sugar Smart Families Programme, a diabetes awareness and prevention pilot programme in partnership with the Taman Jurong Citizens' Consultative Committee (CCC).

In a media release for the official launch on Apr. 26, Diabetes Singapore said the programme will take place over 12 months and aims to equip 100 families with the tools, education and community support to combat Type 2 diabetes.

The launch event was held at Taman Jurong Community Club and consisted of various health games to engage and educate the general public on blood sugar and diabetes risks, healthier everyday habits and early preventive actions.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Manpower, and Adviser to West Coast-Jurong West GRC GROs, Shawn Huang said: "Diabetes Singapore is empowering Taman Jurong families to take charge of their health."

Investment in long-term well-being

Huang said: "Their Sugar Smart Families program aims to equip parents and children with the tools to make sustainable lifestyle changes and drive the shift toward preventive health."

He added that the programme is "an investment in the long-term well-being and resilience of our community".

Taman Jurong Grassroots Organisations (GROs) will identify and engage 100 suitable families as part of the partnership's onboarding process.

As of writing, 70 families have onboarded within a week.

The program is part of the broader Sugar Smart Nation movement launched on World Diabetes Day 2025.

The programme, which is sponsored by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada Singapore Branch, will be rolled out in Taman Jurong to support 100 vulnerable families over three years, according to the media release.

Participating families will develop a better understanding of how nutrition, physical activity, and daily habits influence blood sugar control.

Diabetes prevention begins at home

Executive Director, Diabetes Singapore, Priscilla Gan, said diabetes prevention begins at home, and families which understand blood sugar levels and daily choices gain the power to act early.

"Through the Sugar Smart Families Programme, we hope to bring diabetes education directly into the community, empowering Taman Jurong families to make small, sustainable changes together and take charge of their health early."

According to the media release, over 400,000 Singaporeans are currently diagnosed with diabetes, and the figure is expected to hit one million by 2050.

One in three Singaporeans faces a lifetime risk of developing diabetes, and nearly one in five living with it remains undiagnosed.

For more information, check out Diabetes Singapore's website.

Top photo from Diabetes Singapore