Millions of Filipinos are diagnosed with diabetes¹.

Over the years, experts have raised concern about the escalating prevalence of the disease in the Philippines. Now, diabetes is feared to be worsened by pandemic restrictions and remote work arrangements.

According to preliminary data from Philippine Statistics Authority, diabetes mellitus ranked fifth among the top causes of deaths in the Philippines in 2021. Deaths due to diabetes from January to November 2021 had an increase of 22.4% compared to data from 2020².

Diabetes is a long-term condition in which your body cannot maintain healthy glucose levels in the blood. This may lead to high blood glucose levels, which may have long-term and short-term complications. With diabetes, the pancreas is not able to make insulin, not enough insulin, or when insulin is produced, it does not work effectively. Potential complications of diabetes include heart attacks and strokes³.

In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, where your body does not use insulin properly⁴.

Managing diabetes can be an overwhelming experience, but whether you are newly-diagnosed, have been fighting type 1 or type 2 diabetes for a while, or helping a loved one, there are ways to stay healthy and prevent complications.

Healthy eating

The most basic way to help manage diabetes is to make every meal balanced.

The American Diabetes Association suggests following the Diabetes Plate Method, an easy way to make sure you are getting a balanced diet that is appropriate for your condition⁵. The Diabetes Plate Method is a "simple guide [that] offers a stress-free way to plan your portions without any counting, calculating, or measuring."

Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, one quarter of the plate with protein food, and the last quarter of the plate with carbohydrate foods. Top off your well-balanced plate with a glass of water or another zero calorie drink.

Some vegetables, fruits, and grains are low in carbohydrates but high in fiber which helps stabilize your blood sugar level. Non-starchy vegetables include broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. The best choices for fruits include apples, bananas, cherries, grapes, mangoes, oranges, papayas, pineapples, and watermelons.

Exercise

Any form of physical activity – weight-lifting, sprinting, brisk walking, yoga, or pilates – may do wonders for diabetes management.

When a patient exercises, the muscles use sugar or glucose for energy. Physical activities help the body use insulin efficiently. The more challenging the workout, the longer the effect will last. Even housework, everyday chores, or walking in the mall may help improve your blood sugar.

Stay hydrated, be prepared, and check your blood sugar before going on a strenuous workout.

Medicate

For Filipinos with diabetes, lifestyle intervention needs to be done in conjunction with medication. People with type 1 diabetes are usually prescribed to take insulin, while people with type 2 diabetes take oral medication to manage their condition.

The necessary step is to consult your doctor for proper medications, dosage, and schedule for your intake⁶.

Manage stress

Relax. When a patient with diabetes is stressed, your hormones may cause a rise in your blood sugar level.

Avoid stressors. Take control, learn relaxation techniques, prioritize tasks, and set your limits.

Take a Diabetes Specific Formula

Diabetes Specific Formulas, or DSF, may help you make small changes to feel in control and help support your diabetes management plan.

One of the recommended formulas by doctors is Glucerna⁷, a complete and balanced nutrition drink for people with diabetes that may be used to replace or complement a meal or as a snack.

Without sacrificing flavor or taste, Glucerna is clinically proven to help lower blood sugar levels⁸ as part of a type 2 diabetes management plan with healthy meals.

Glucerna is specifically formulated to help support the dietary needs of people with diabetes. It is formulated with a low glycemic index that can help manage blood glucose response.

Glucerna's advanced blend of slow release carbohydrates helps the body produce insulin naturally. It also contains 4 times more inositol versus previous formulation that helps the body convert sugar into energy.

With 28 vitamins and minerals on top of these key ingredients, Glucerna is able to help lower blood sugar levels of people with diabetes, as part of a type 2 diabetes management plan with healthy meals. It is also clinically proven to provide other benefits such as help curb hunger pangs in between meals, and helps reduce weight and waistline circumference. It can also help support immunity⁹.

Glucerna comes in Vanilla, Chocolate, and Wheat flavors, and also comes in a ready-to-drink package.

To check out products from Glucerna, visit their Shopee and Lazada pages.

For more information on Glucerna, click here.

References:
¹ https://doh.gov.ph/node/11786#:~:text=Diabetes%20is%20the%206th%20leading,Diabetes%20Education%20Foundation%20in%202016.
² https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-january-november-2021
³ https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/glucerna/take-control-of-your-diabetes/understanding-diabetes/what-is-diabetes.html
⁴ https://diabetes.org/diabetes
⁵ https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/eating-well
⁶ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963
⁷ The Philippine Medical Data Index (PMDI): Select Brands from V06 – General Nutrients published by IQVIA Solutions Philippines
⁸ Ad Standards Council Certifications, 2006-2019
⁹ ASC Certification 04 Dec 2020
ASC Certification 21 Apr 2020
Chee WSS, et al. BMJ Open Diab Res Care. 2017;5:e000384. doi:10.1136/bmjdrc-2016-000384.
Tatti P, et al. Mediterr J Nutr Metab. 2010;(3):133-136.
Sun J, et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17(3):514-524.
Devitt A, et al. J Diabetes Res Clin Metab. 2012; 1:20.

ASC Reference Code: A071P101822GS