Dr Daphne Lee is a Consultant Endocrinologist at Dr Daphne Lee Endocrine & Diabetes Medical Clinic, with locations at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre and Gleneagles Medical Centre. She graduated in medicine from the National University of Singapore in 2006 and is a MOH-accredited Endocrinologist and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.
Her interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes, and adrenal and pituitary conditions.
Before private practice she was a Consultant Endocrinologist at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
Clinical focus
Obesity & metabolic.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (National University of Singapore), MRCP (UK), FAMS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Dr Daphne Lee Endocrine & Diabetes Medical Clinic — Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre & Gleneagles Medical Centre
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Previously Consultant Endocrinologist at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Dr Daphne Lee Endocrine & Diabetes Medical Clinic operates from two well-known private medical buildings. The Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre sits on Irrawaddy Road, a short walk from Novena MRT (NS20) on the North–South Line; from the station, follow the signs towards the Mount Elizabeth Novena complex via the sheltered linkways around the Novena medical hub. Several bus services run along Thomson Road and Irrawaddy Road, and taxi or ride-hailing drop-off is available at the hospital and specialist centre entrances. The Gleneagles Medical Centre is on Napier Road, closest to Napier MRT (TE12) on the Thomson–East Coast Line, with Orchard Boulevard MRT (TE13) also within reach; because the Napier Road frontage can be busy, a taxi or private-hire car is often the simplest option, and there is a paid visitor carpark on site.
If you are driving, both buildings have paid visitor parking. Allow extra time during weekday morning clinics, when Orchard-fringe and Novena traffic is heaviest, and check which of the two locations your appointment is at before you set off, as they are on opposite sides of the city.
What obesity and metabolic medicine covers
Dr Lee’s clinical focus is obesity and metabolic health, an area of endocrinology concerned with how the body stores, burns and regulates energy. In practice this means assessing and treating overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, insulin resistance, abnormal blood lipids (high cholesterol and triglycerides) and the cluster of findings sometimes called metabolic syndrome. Her listed interests also include adrenal and pituitary conditions, which influence weight, blood pressure and metabolism through hormones such as cortisol and growth hormone.
Medical weight management looks beyond the number on the scales. It considers the hormonal and metabolic drivers of weight gain, the effect of excess weight on the liver, joints, sleep and heart, and the way conditions such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovaries can complicate the picture. Treatment may combine structured dietary change, physical activity, behavioural support and, where clinically appropriate, medication including GLP-1 based therapies. The aim is steady, sustainable improvement in weight, blood sugar and cardiovascular risk rather than a single quick result.
What to expect at a consultation
A first appointment usually begins with a detailed history: your weight over time, eating and activity patterns, sleep, mood, family history of diabetes or heart disease, and any previous attempts at weight loss. The doctor will review current medications and ask about symptoms such as fatigue, excessive thirst or changes in appetite. Examination typically includes height, weight, waist measurement, blood pressure and a general physical check.
Investigations are often arranged to clarify the cause and consequences of metabolic problems. These can include blood tests for glucose and HbA1c, a lipid panel, thyroid function, liver function and, where adrenal or pituitary disease is suspected, specific hormone tests. The findings are then discussed with you, along with realistic options and what each involves, so that a plan can be agreed together.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous records, scans or test results, including any earlier blood-sugar, cholesterol or thyroid results.
- A current list of all medications and supplements, with doses.
- A written list of symptoms and questions you want to cover.
- If you monitor your weight or blood glucose at home, bring your readings or device.
- Note any family history of diabetes, thyroid or heart disease.
Some metabolic blood tests are taken fasting, so ask the clinic in advance whether you should avoid food or drink before your visit.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the consultation you will usually receive an explanation of your results and a written or verbal plan. If tests were arranged, the clinic will advise how and when results are shared and whether a review visit is needed to adjust treatment. Obesity, diabetes and lipid problems are long-term conditions, so follow-up appointments help track progress, fine-tune medication and reinforce lifestyle changes over time.
You may be referred for additional tests, dietitian input or, where relevant, assessment by another specialist. Continuity matters: keeping the same clinic informed helps avoid duplicate tests and conflicting advice. You are entitled to seek a second opinion at any point. Seek urgent medical care for symptoms such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, or very high or very low blood sugar with vomiting or drowsiness.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist, Dr Lee can generally be seen without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic letter is useful for continuity and may help with subsidies if you are later directed to a public clinic. For eligible procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan may apply within set limits, while consultations are usually paid out of pocket. Some weight-management medications are not subsidised. Confirm current fees and what is claimable directly with the clinic before your appointment.
Common questions
Do I need a referral to see an endocrinologist for weight management?
No referral is strictly required for a private specialist, but a referral letter and your past results help the doctor build a fuller picture.
Will I be put straight on weight-loss injections?
Not necessarily. Medication is one option considered alongside diet, activity and the cause of weight gain; whether it is appropriate is discussed individually.
Can hormone problems cause weight gain?
Yes. Thyroid, adrenal and pituitary conditions can affect weight and metabolism, which is one reason hormone tests are sometimes arranged.
How long before I see results?
Sustainable change is gradual. Regular follow-up allows the plan to be adjusted as your weight, blood sugar and lipids respond.
Related guides
Sources & verification
- Dr Daphne Lee Endocrine & Diabetes Medical Clinic
- Dr Daphne Lee – Obesity & Weight Management Clinic
See also: our editorial directory of endocrinologists in Singapore and our shortlist of endocrinology clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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