Diabetes is one of the global health problems we are facing today. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of diabetes worldwide has been increasing over the past decades (WHO, 2016). Likewise, one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines is diabetes, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2020.
Diabetes is a chronic disorder that occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or when the body cannot use the produced insulin properly. High blood sugar or hyperglycemia is the common effect of uncontrolled diabetes. Over time, hyperglycemia, if not managed, can damage various organs such as the kidney, heart, eyes, blood vessels, and nerves.
There are three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a hereditary condition wherein the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. While type 2 diabetes, commonly known as diabetes mellitus (DM), is mainly lifestyle-related accounts for 95% among all the population with diabetes (WHO, 2021). The third one is gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy and disappears after birth. Women with gestational diabetes and their baby have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
The common symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urinating, extreme hunger, fatigue, irritability, slow healing of wounds, and unexplained weight loss. Knowing these symptoms can help prevent, fight or treat the onset of diabetes.
Adults with diabetes are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy, kidney failure, and gangrene. Further, diabetic patients have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
However, on the brighter side, diabetes can be prevented and treated. And, the best way to beat diabetes is to have a healthy lifestyle. To guide the Filipinos, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) developed the 10 Kumainments. It contains short but simple messages that promote positive nutrition practices and encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
To prevent diabetes, eating less sugary foods and beverages is highlighted in Kumainment No. 8 that says, “Likayi ang sobrang parat, tambok ug tam-is nga pagkaon”. Also, maintaining normal body weight, as emphasized in Kumainment No. 9 is important. Being overweight not only increases the risk of heart disease and stroke but will also interfere with the management of diabetes.
In addition, regular exercise and staying away from vices help manage diabetes. Physical activity lowers the blood sugar level and boosts the body’s sensitivity to insulin. It also decreases the risk factors associated with diabetes. Further, smoking makes the cells stop responding to insulin, and alcoholic beverages may cause pancreatitis that would impair the pancreas ability to secrete insulin. These messages were stressed in Kumainment No. 10 “Batoni kanunay ang lagsik nga lawas. Likayan ang ilimnong makahubog; ayaw panigarilyo.”
And, to raise awareness of diabetes and encourage Filipinos to have a healthy and active lifestyle to reduce the risk of the said disease, the 4th week of July was declared Diabetes Awareness Week. It was signed and proclaimed by former President Fidel V. Ramos last 1993.
Diabetes is on the rise, so, we need to intensify our efforts to ensure that all have a fair chance to live healthily and worry-free from the consequences of uncontrolled diabetes. Managing diabetes does not happen within a snap of a finger. It needs collective and collaborative actions.
Thus, NNC calls on all the stakeholders to work hand in hand in formulating and implementing policies that create a supportive environment for healthy lifestyles. More so, NNC urges everyone to live a healthy and active lifestyle to beat diabetes. For specific nutrition therapy interventions for diabetic patients, seek professional help from your physician or Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian. (Development Management Officer II Arlie Joy O. Damiles/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./09631090198)
References:
Generali Philippines. (2022, July 1). Diabetes Awareness Week 2022. Generali Life Assurance Philippines, Inc. https://www.generali.com.ph/health-and-wellness/diabetes-awareness-week-2022/
Inquirer, P. D. (2020, July 2). Did You Know: 4th week of July is Diabetes Awareness Week. INQUIRER.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1300450/did-you-know-735
National Nutrition Council. 10 Kumainments Cebuano Version [Photo]. National Nutrition Council. https://www.nnc.gov.ph/images/10kumainments/10kumainments_Cebuano.jpg
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2021, July 5). Causes of Deaths in the Philippines (Preliminary): January to December 2020 | Philippine Statistics Authority. https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-january-december-2020-0
Proclamation No. 213, s. 1993 | GOVPH. (1993, July 23). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1993/07/23/proclamation-no-213-s-1993/
World Health Organization. (2021, November 10). Diabetes. World Health Organization Newsroom. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
