Managing type 2 diabetes just got a little easier for Bruneians, thanks to the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) latest initiative, the BALANCE programme.
Available through the BruHealth app, BALANCE brings Digital Therapeutics (DMDTx) to the fingertips of those with type 2 diabetes, offering practical tools and guidance to help them take charge of their health.
The programme is led by Consultant Endocrinologist and Head of the Endocrinology Department at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Dr Lina Chong Pui Lin, and with her expertise, BALANCE aims to give participants a fresh perspective on living well with diabetes. The idea is simple: combine technology with personalised care to make daily management less daunting.
By rolling out BALANCE, the MoH is blending innovation with healthcare to make life a little easier – and healthier – for those managing chronic conditions. The BALANCE programme is off to a promising start, with over 140 participants already enrolled and another 50 set to join soon.
MoH aims to reach 200 participants in the near future, a milestone that Dr Lina Chong Pui Lin believes will provide valuable insights into the impact of digital tools on managing diabetes.
“The BALANCE programme’s goal is to optimise diabetes management by fostering healthy lifestyle changes through technology,” explained Dr Chong.
With type 2 diabetes affecting about one in 10 people in Brunei, Dr Chong noted the importance of accessible, reliable tools to support those living with the condition.
WHAT IS THE BALANCE PROGRAMME?
The BALANCE programme is designed to offer people with type 2 diabetes a comprehensive, easy-to-use digital platform to help manage their condition.
It includes a personalised plan for diet, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring. Through BruHealth, participants connect with dedicated health coaches who offer guidance and support, encouraging participants to adhere to their health plans while helping them make adjustments based on their progress.
This level of personalisation and ongoing interaction helps participants stay motivated and enables them to better control their blood glucose levels and overall health.
The programme has a culturally inclusive approach as well, with options tailored for Muslim participants, including a questionnaire about fasting. “This additional information will help us better understand how fasting influences diabetes care and management, allowing us to offer more personalised support,” she added.
HOW THE BALANCE PROGRAMME WORKS
After enrolling through the BruHealth app, eligible participants undergo an initial screening and a fasting blood test.
If selected, they receive a set of complimentary health monitoring tools, including a glucometer, smart band, and weighing scale, to help them track key health metrics from home. “We wanted to ensure participants have the right tools to take charge of their own health,” Dr Chong noted.
The BALANCE programme is structured over a 16-week period. Participants log into BruHealth to access online resources, including personalised meal and exercise plans and regular updates to their blood sugar monitoring plans.
Health coaches maintain contact through messaging and video calls, providing guidance and adjustments as needed.
Participants meet their health coach face-to-face only once at the start of the programme, making it easy to integrate into daily routines.
At the end of the 16 weeks, participants undergo another fasting blood test and receive a personalised report highlighting their progress and achievements.
The programme builds on a previous lifestyle intervention conducted from April 2022 to April 2023, which showed promising results in improving diabetes control among participants.
Unlike the earlier intervention, however, the BALANCE programme is fully digital, offering greater accessibility and more seamless integration with BruHealth.
“By incorporating the programme into BruHealth, we’ve made it accessible to anyone who meets the criteria, whether they are tech-savvy or new to using digital health tools,” continued Dr Chong.
A BROADER VISION FOR PREVENTATIVE HEALTH
The BALANCE programme is part of a larger vision for preventative healthcare championed by the MoH.
Chief Medical Information Officer at RIPAS Hospital and Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Pengiran Dr Noor Azmi bin Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad highlighted the significance of BruHealth’s role in supporting preventative health.
“The introduction of digital health tools like BALANCE represents a major step in empowering individuals to manage diabetes and other health concerns effectively,” he stated. “This type of support is something many countries are only beginning to explore, but we’ve brought it directly to our population.”
The BruHealth app now includes essential screening tools for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular conditions, allowing Bruneians to take a proactive stance on their health.
“Early detection through BruHealth empowers users to prioritise their health before complications arise, aligning with our mission to put preventative care at the heart of healthcare,” he added.
FOSTERING A HEALTHIER, MORE INFORMED POPULATION
The MoH’s ultimate goal is to foster a health-conscious culture where Bruneians actively manage their health.
With BruHealth’s expanding offerings, people can monitor their conditions, access information, and even book appointments with healthcare professionals.
“By embracing these resources,” Pengiran Dr Noor Azmi explained, “we’re supporting Bruneians in becoming active participants in their health journey.”
For those who may be hesitant to try the BALANCE programme or other BruHealth features, Pengiran Dr Noor Azmi encouraged them to explore these tools as a way to stay informed and empowered.
“Our tools are designed to make healthcare more accessible, effective, and personal,” he said. “By embracing these resources, each person can take an active role in their health journey, setting a foundation for a healthier Brunei.”
Pengiran Dr Noor Azmi reiterated that the BALANCE programme was developed by clinicians to enhance patient care and support.
Those interested in joining the BALANCE programme can find more information on social media through @mohbrunei and @bruhealth.app, or reach MoH directly through WhatsApp at 7430790. – Rizal Faisal
