For many years, majority of the top leading causes of deaths in the Philippines are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which include cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, COPD, and diabetes mellitus. Based on the data from the Department of Health, Diabetes Mellitus is the 5th most common cause of death in the country in 2017. Coincidentally, the Philippines also ranks fifth in the number of diabetes cases in the Western Pacific Region according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) (https://idf.org/).
The World Health Organization defines Diabetes as a chronic disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. This happens when there is not enough insulin produced (Type 1) or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2). Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Aside from Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, pregnant women may also be diagnosed with gestational diabetes which is temporary but may progress to Type 2 Diabetes after pregnancy if not managed well. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes affecting 90% of all diabetes cases in the world according to IDF.
Common signs and symptoms of being diabetic include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, blood sugar level of more than 200mg/dl and having fasting plasma glucose level of more than 126mg/dl. It is better to consult with a doctor for proper diagnosis.
If not managed properly, diabetes may lead to complications such as stroke, blindness, heart attack, kidney failure, and amputation, among others. These complications increase the risk of dying prematurely.
So, who are at risk? Genetics, ethnicity, age, and family history of diabetes can increase the risk of becoming diabetic, However, there are also lifestyle behaviors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking and binge drinking that can be modified to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
How can we prevent/manage diabetes? By living a healthy lifestyle:
Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Normal body weight helps in lowering your blood sugar and in improving your lipid profile and blood pressure control. Being overweight and obese may result to insulin resistance which causes the increase in blood glucose level in the body. Likewise, it also increases the likelihood of developing other NCDs.
Eat healthy. Start by making healthy food choices. Eat more vegetables and fruits and lessen your intake of fatty foods. Limit intake of salty foods and those high in sugar. Eating healthy does not mean eating less but eating the right foods in the right amount and in the right time. Eat in small frequent feedings to avoid blood sugar spike during mealtime. Learn how to read food and nutrition labels to know and be aware of what you are eating. Avoid binge and buffet eating.
You may consult with a registered nutritionist-dietitian to help manage your diabetes with healthy and easy to follow meal plans.
Be physically active. Even with the community quarantine in place, it is important to have a regular physical activity of at least 30 minutes daily and moderate-intensity activity on most days. Exercise helps in improving blood sugar control, weight loss, and in improving well-being. Physical activity can be your regular household chores, dance, sports, or aerobic/fitness exercises.
Remember to always carry sources of simple sugar such as candy or carbonated drink to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during and after exercise.
Avoid tobacco use. Smoking is harmful to your health and increases your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Check blood glucose if in doubt. Learn how to use a blood glucose meter and monitor your blood glucose daily. You may ask your doctor on the frequency, target values and interpretation of results to better understand your condition. If readings are always high, consult with your doctor for appropriate action.
If diagnosed, follow medical advice. Follow your doctor’s advice and take your medication religiously. Know your prescribed medications and/or insulin and take the right doses at the right time.
If you think you are at risk of becoming diabetic, modify your lifestyle and live healthy. Consult with your doctor for blood sugar testing and if you are hypertensive, consult your doctor for advice and management.
By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1942, s. 2009, November 14 of every year was declared as World Diabetes Day to raise awareness and to ensure that different strategies in the prevention, treatment and control of diabetes be actively pursued, to reduce diabetes-related deaths and disability.
Prevention is better than cure. As much as possible, reduce your risk of developing diabetes. There is no cure for diabetes but living a healthy lifestyle will help manage and control your condition. (TAR/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)
References:
- https://psa.gov.ph/vital-statistics/id/138794
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
- https://www.doh.gov.ph/faqs/Diabetes
- https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2009/11/16/proclamation-no-1942-s-2009/
- Department of Health (DOH). (2012). Philippine Health Advisories.
