Dumanjug, Cebu – “Take your meals on time to help regulate your blood glucose levels to make the body function properly!” This was the strong message relayed by MHO/MNAO Dr. Josefina F. Malana during the recently conducted symposium organized by the Municipal Nutrition Committee for the diabetics of Dumanjug.

As explained from the World Health Organization; Diabetes, is a chronic-metabolic disease that is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Roughly around 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. The disease is also considered as one of the leading causes of death in the world with Type 2 Diabetes as the most common type. As of 2021, there are five million Filipinos suffering from diabetes and 202 of them are in Dumanjug, Cebu.

Thirty (30) diabetic individuals from the different barangays of the municipality of Dumanjug attended the symposium entitled “Access to Diabetes Care.” The activity started with an introduction from Dr. Malana about diabetes and the different types of it. She discussed and emphasized to the participants to have good diabetes care and management for it is essential for individuals with diabetes to keep their bodies healthy. She also encouraged the participants and their loved ones to learn as much as possible.

Ms. Evangelene Pagobo, Nurse II and PhilPEN & non-communicable disease point person with ND II James Aaron Perez then discussed the role and importance of good nutrition care of diabetics. They both reminded the participants to eat during regular mealtimes maintain the body’s blood sugar levels. The nutritional target is to have good blood glucose levels and avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level) for the body to function well. They reminded the attendees on the principle of moderation, variety and balance (MOVABA) and prompted them to eat a variety of foods as said in “Kumainment number 1” but with an emphasis in moderation of sugary foods.

Health and nutrition assessment were also done using glucometers and diabatic counselling capped the information awareness event. // NDII James Aaron S. Perez, RND

Reference: WHO Website: https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes#tab=tab_1