SINGAPORE -A team from the National University Hospital is recruiting now for its largest study to better understand the progression to Type 2 diabetes here.

It plans to enlist 2,300 volunteers who either do not have the condition or have what is known as pre-diabetes, or slightly elevated blood sugar levels.

They will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire and followed up for three years to see if they eventually develop diabetes.

The study includes twice-yearly visits to NUH to test their blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when a person's pancreas does not make enough insulin to process sugar from the bloodstream, or when the body does not respond to insulin properly.

It affects an estimated 400,000 people in Singapore, and can lead to complications such as blindness, heart attacks, and amputations.

In Parliament earlier this month, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong announced a war against diabetes.

Those interested to be part of the study can email brite_spot@nuhs.edu.sg. They can also call 9135 4495 or 9131 4490 during office hours.