SINGAPORE - The People's Association is pitching in on the national fight against diabetes by pledging to encourage the catering of healthier food at its grassroots events.

This includes requesting for fewer deep fried dishes and serving coffee or tea with sugar on the side.

The news was announced at a Health Promotion Board event on Wednesday (Dec 14), during which the board's annual health calendar was also launched by Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor.

This year's calendar, produced together with women's social group LadiesFirst, will feature practical health tips and healthy recipes that can help families reduce the risk of diabetes.

Some 400,000 people in Singapore have diabetes, which can lead to complications such as blindness or kidney failure.