New diabetics in Singapore

A clinical study was undertaken of new diabetics seen at a general medical unit in Singapore. Over a period of 12 months, there were seventy-five cases of which 38 (50.7%) were Chinese, 15 (20%) Malays and 22 (29.3%) Indians. Male patients were twice as common as female patients. The majority of patients (61.3%) were in the 5th and 6th decade and only 23 (30.7%) were obese. Oral sulphonylurea and dieting provided effective control in 80.6% of the patients, and only 9% of patients required insulin. Ketosis was present in only 6 cases and was easily controlled with appropriate treatment. Other clinical features are presented and discussed.