CDiC program expands type 1 diabetes care in Iloilo

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Committed to improving the lives of children and youth with type 1 diabetes, the Changing Diabetes in Children program was launched in Iloilo City and Iloilo province.

This five-year initiative aims to provide comprehensive patient education, strengthen the health workforce, establish a network of clinic facilities, and ensure access to insulin and medical supplies for children and young adults with type 1 diabetes.

According to the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas 2022, 16,443 people in the Philippines are living with type 1 diabetes.

These individuals must regularly take insulin, monitor their blood glucose before and after meals, and count carbohydrates in every meal they consume.

Children and youth with type 1 diabetes are born unable to produce insulin, leading to uncontrolled blood sugar levels and lifelong dependence on insulin treatments.

Unmanaged blood sugar spikes and crashes can result in serious health complications or even death.

An insulin pen in the Philippines costs between PHP800 and PHP2,000 and may last only a week, depending on usage.

When combined with glucometers, test strips, HbA1c tests, and doctor’s fees, diabetes care for a child can cost at least PHP11,000 per month.

Meriene was 9 years old when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

“When I was diagnosed, I was scared. I didn’t know what it meant or how it would change my life. My family was also scared because they didn’t have enough knowledge or resources to manage my condition. There were many questions, tears, and doubts. I suddenly could no longer eat my favorite food. I couldn’t eat at the same time as my friends or share the same meals. I can only eat after checking my blood sugar. Suddenly, I had to regularly visit the doctor and constantly monitor my sugar levels.”

This is what children and youth with type 1 diabetes—and their families—go through daily.

Children must undergo frequent glucose tests and insulin injections, while families live in constant worry.

They monitor blood sugar, track physical activities that may trigger spikes or crashes, and fear what could happen when they’re not watching.

Many families are anxious about how they’ll afford insulin to keep their children alive.

“Currently, there is no government program focused on type 1 diabetes in children,” said Kenneth Samaco, project manager of the CDiC program.

“Yes, we have services for type 1 and type 2, but they are intended for adults. What about the kids? What about their future?

The CDiC program aims to increase access to information and services for children with type 1 diabetes.

Through partnerships with local government units and the Department of Health, we are strengthening our approach to diabetes.”

“In 2023, diabetes—both type 1 and type 2—was the fourth leading cause of death in the Philippines,” said Melanie Ruiz, country manager of Humanity & Inclusion.

“This is a sad reality, but together we can change the narrative and take action to save lives. It is essential to address barriers to health information and services. By empowering children with knowledge and tools to manage their diabetes, we can improve their quality of life and ultimately save lives.”

The CDiC program seeks to remove barriers to care, expand access to information, and strengthen health systems and communities so children with type 1 diabetes can live full, healthy lives.

The work needed in changing diabetes in children

Through the CDiC program, children and young adults ages 0–25 with type 1 diabetes will receive free access to life-saving medicine and medical devices.

These include insulin, glucose monitoring systems, and medical supplies available through public health centers or government hospitals.

“CDiC supports children with type 1 diabetes who don’t have access to medication,” said Enrique Sajor III, market access manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines.

“Our gathering today shows our commitment to improving the lives of people with diabetes—a legacy that began generations ago. With your participation, we hope to drive change in diabetes among Filipino children and youth.”

The program offers comprehensive patient education to equip children with the knowledge and tools to live without fear.

Education sessions cover topics like locally adapted materials, health facility protocols, and diabetes camps.

By understanding their condition, children and their families become more independent and resilient.

“Access to care in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas remains far from ideal,” said Dr. Anabelle P. Yumang, regional director of DOH Western Visayas.

“Many children still cannot afford insulin and other essential medical services. Every child deserves to grow without fear—without worrying about their next dose of insulin. The Department of Health in Western Visayas is fully committed to this program. Together, we will do our best to make this partnership a success.”

It takes a whole-community approach to ensure the well-being of children with type 1 diabetes.

The CDiC program aims to train barangay, municipal, and city health workers on type 1 diabetes management through comprehensive education and resources.

It also enables public primary health care teams to set up referral systems to higher-level facilities.

An inclusive, accessible public health system is critical for timely diagnosis and care—especially for children in remote or disadvantaged areas.

“Today, we stand together to give these children the care and opportunities they deserve,” said Maria Socorro C. Quiñon, provincial health officer of Iloilo. The people of Iloilo province are fortunate for this partnership that puts children’s health at the center of development. When health is prioritized at the local level, frontliners are empowered to do more and do better. Together, we will manage diabetes in children to give them a better future.”

Committed to changing diabetes in children

This partnership with local government units, health providers, and private sector champions marks a breakthrough for type 1 diabetes care in Iloilo.

Their collective commitment brings the CDiC program closer to its goal—achieving inclusive, accessible, and quality diabetes care nationwide.

Changing Diabetes in Children is dedicated to supporting children with type 1 diabetes and their families.

By breaking barriers and offering full support, CDiC envisions a future where diabetes is no longer life-threatening or a barrier to opportunity.

With support from Novo Nordisk Philippines and Roche Diabetes Care, the CDiC project includes a five-year plan to deliver patient education, build a clinic network, and ensure access to insulin and medical supplies for children and youth with type 1 diabetes.

The program, in partnership with Humanity & Inclusion, is being implemented in Valenzuela City in Luzon, Iloilo City and Iloilo province in the Visayas, and Davao City and the rest of Davao region in Mindanao.

Changing Diabetes in Children is a public-private partnership launched in 2009.

It provides care for children and youth with type 1 diabetes in low- and middle-income countries.

This includes free life-saving medicine and supplies for individuals up to age 25.

To date, the program has provided free care to more than 52,000 children and youth in 29 countries.

To learn more, visit the Changing Diabetes in Children program.