I read Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loongs National Rally Speech 2017 with interest.

Diabetes mellitus and the associated problem of being overweight are indeed huge health problems for Singaporeans.

Diabetes leads to many complications, which extend beyond the kidneys, heart, and brain.

Half to three-quarters of diabetic patients have fatty liver disease, which has become the most common liver problem in many countries, including Singapore and the United States.

Even in China, where Hepatitis B is prevalent at 10 per cent, the occurrence of fatty liver disease in the general population there is estimated to be 20 per cent.

Patients with the disease are at risk of liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. It is expected to be the major cause of liver problems in the next few decades.

Right now, there is no effective and safe medication for treating fatty liver disease.

Most of the clinical research on pharmacological agents that alter the course of fatty liver disease is still ongoing.

However, most studies have shown that weight loss and regular exercise are key, proven treatments for fatty liver disease. A loss of 5 per cent of ones body weight would lead to an improvement in liver function.

As PM Lee said, there is no single magic way to treat diabetes mellitus. Multiple angles of treatment are needed.

Encouraging people to have a healthy diet and do daily exercise for 30 to 60 minutes are the cornerstones of treating diabetes, as well as the associated problem of fatty liver disease.

It is time for all stakeholders including doctors, patients, food sellers, food manufacturers, and the associated government agencies such as the National Environment Agency and Active SG, as well as the Health Ministry to work together in laying out strategies to help people lead a healthy lifestyle.

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Time to work together on plans for a healthy lifestyle - TODAYonline