Common metabolic conditions, namely the ‘four-highs’ – body mass index, blood pressure, sugar level (diabetes) and cholesterol – are the nemesis of good population health.

A new preventive metabolic health initiative – Paediatrics & Endocrinology Life-Course Action Network (PELiCAN) – at KKH aims to maintain metabolic wellness in families, and prevent new health risks that can aggravate existing metabolic disorders in children.


Creating a virtuous cycle of health for families

Launched under the KKH-led SingHealth Duke-NUS Maternal and Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI), PELiCAN aims to empower parents at the start of their parenthood journey, to shape a healthy future for them and their children, and create positive inter-generational health cycles within the family.

In Singapore, the prevalence of obesity among children below 19 years is currently 13 per cent, of which, 70 per cent continue to become obese as adults.

“Body mass index, blood pressure, sugar level (diabetes) and cholesterol are the nemesis of good population health. These risk factors for cardiovascular diseases have their origins in childhood, and are often interconnected,” said Professor Fabian Yap, Lead, PELiCAN.

“However, they are also preventable and manageable with lifestyle changes to diet, sleep, physical activity and good mental health practices,” added Professor Yap, who is also Deputy Director, MCHRI.

“It is key to act early. PELiCAN will do so by serving as a network to engage and educate parents and healthcare providers towards early identification of children with or at risk of metabolic disorders,” shared Professor Yap.


Maintaining metabolic wellness and preventing new health risks

Through early identification, care teams can holistically address and arrest the chain of events linked to metabolic disorders from an early point of the child’s life. This can include tackling repeated habits and behaviours that can accumulate and increase a child’s metabolic health risks, to prevent weakened health, poor quality of life and shortened life span.

​​PELiCAN’s multi-prong approach towards good metabolic health in children
Maintaining metabolic wellness​​Preventing new health risks
  • ​Targeted at children in families without known metabolic health issues.

  • Leverages technology to deliver personalised care to help families foster healthy lifestyle practices in the first two years of their child’s life. These include advice on diet, sleep, physical activity, mental health, to help reduce metabolic health risks.

  • Tracks and optimises the family’s health and the child’s development from preconception to when the child turns 18 years of age.
  • ​Targeted at children at risk of or born with metabolic disorders linked to diabetes, obesity and hormone-related issues.

  • Children are at risk of metabolic issues due to various factors such as genetics, maternal health, early life nutrition and lifestyle choices. Care teams will look into enhancing care practices for children at home and in healthcare settings, and positively influence the child’s lifestyle and dietary habits, to prevent metabolic issues from developing.

  • For children born with metabolic diseases, such as familial hypercholesterolemia or Type 1 Diabetes, care teams will closely monitor and manage existing symptoms to minimise the emergence of new metabolic health risks. This is crucial in preventing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke later in life.

This programme will emphasise a holistic approach to care and provide comprehensive care for patients, to achieve immediate health improvements while enhancing long-term quality of life for children until they turn 18 years old.