Diabetes affects 4.7 million Filipinos; consistent care urged

MANILA — Managing type 2 diabetes does not require drastic lifestyle changes, but maintaining simple, consistent habits can make a difference in controlling blood sugar and preventing serious health complications, according to a medical expert from global healthcare company Abbott.

The advice comes as an estimated 4.7 million Filipino adults live with diabetes, highlighting the growing need for accessible healthcare, early detection, proper nutrition, and practical disease management.

For working Filipinos and families juggling employment, household responsibilities, and financial pressures, the challenge is not simply understanding how to manage diabetes but maintaining healthy routines despite unpredictable daily schedules.

Dr. Gamaliel Tayao, Abbott’s head of medical affairs in the Philippines, emphasized that sustainable diabetes management depends on developing habits that people can consistently follow rather than pursuing demanding lifestyle changes that may be difficult to maintain.

“If a diabetes management routine only works on a perfect day, it is not much of a routine,” Tayao said.

“The useful question is what an individual with a health condition like diabetes can keep doing when their schedule changes.”

His advice comes ahead of World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14, 2026, which carries the theme “Early action on diabetes,” emphasizing early diagnosis, timely access to healthcare, and preventive measures that can improve long-term health outcomes.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 4.7 million Filipino adults ages 20 to 79 were living with diabetes in 2024, representing approximately 7.5% of the adult population.

The Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) also reported that about two in 10 Filipino adults ages 20 to 59 had elevated blood sugar levels associated with prediabetes, based on the 2023 National Nutrition Survey.

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but have not reached the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis, placing affected individuals at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The condition can often develop without obvious symptoms, making screening and early medical consultation particularly important for people with established risk factors.

Diabetes can also cause serious complications over time, including heart disease, stroke, vision loss, kidney disease, and lower-limb amputations.

People with type 2 diabetes face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular complications than individuals without the condition, underscoring the importance of consistent disease management.

The World Health Organization has emphasized that early diagnosis and access to appropriate care can help prevent or delay complications that threaten patients’ health and quality of life.

Making diabetes management practical

Tayao said effective diabetes care should be built around realistic daily choices involving nutrition, physical activity, prescribed medications, and regular blood sugar monitoring.

Rather than attempting to overhaul their lifestyles overnight, people living with diabetes can begin with manageable adjustments that fit their work schedules, family responsibilities, and personal circumstances.

One recommended approach involves gradually replacing refined carbohydrates, such as white rice, with brown rice or mixed grains to help manage blood sugar increases after meals.

Gradual dietary adjustments may be easier to maintain than restrictive eating plans that require significant changes to established food preferences.

Physical activity is another important component of diabetes management, with Abbott recommending a 15-minute walk after meals to help the body use glucose more effectively.

Even short walks around the workplace or neighborhood can contribute to daily movement, although exercise routines should be adapted to individual health conditions and medical advice.

People managing diabetes can also use mobile phone reminders or applications to maintain regular meal schedules and take prescribed medications on time.

Consistent medication use is particularly important because missed doses or irregular treatment can interfere with blood sugar management.

Staying hydrated is another recommended habit, with water encouraged over sugar-sweetened beverages that can contribute to increased blood glucose levels.

Monitoring blood sugar regularly can also help patients and healthcare professionals understand how meals, activity, medications, and other daily factors influence glucose levels.

Continuous glucose monitors, when medically appropriate, can provide additional information about glucose patterns throughout the day and help guide individualized treatment decisions.

Nutrition remains central to diabetes care

Tayao also highlighted the importance of adequate nutrition, particularly for individuals who struggle to prepare balanced meals because of demanding work schedules or other responsibilities.

He cited diabetes-specific nutritional products, including Abbott’s Glucerna, as convenient options when regular meal preparation becomes difficult.

“For people living with type 2 diabetes, nutrition plays an important role in supporting blood sugar management. Abbott’s clinically proven diabetes-specific formula contains slow-release carbohydrates that provide steady energy to help manage blood sugar response, along with 4x myo-inositol, which plays a role in helping the body manage glucose levels,” said Tayao.

Myo-inositol is a naturally occurring compound involved in cellular signaling and processes associated with glucose metabolism.

The company’s statement did not specify the comparison used for its “4x myo-inositol” claim.

Abbott also identified Glucerna Ready-to-Drink as a possible convenient nutrition option during busy mornings or unexpected schedule changes when preparing a balanced meal is difficult.

However, diabetes-specific nutritional products should be considered within an individualized dietary plan rather than treated as replacements for prescribed medications or professional medical care.

The broader objective is to maintain adequate nutrition while managing carbohydrate intake and blood sugar responses according to each patient’s healthcare needs.

 

Early action, consistent habits

Beyond individual dietary choices, experts emphasize that diabetes management requires sustained access to healthcare, reliable information, and support from family members and communities.

Regular medical consultations can help patients monitor their condition, assess treatment effectiveness, and identify complications before they become more serious.

For people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, early screening and appropriate lifestyle changes may help delay or prevent disease progression.

The importance of practical disease management is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where diabetes can create long-term financial burdens through medication expenses, laboratory testing, medical consultations, and treatment of complications.

Preventing avoidable complications can help protect household finances while reducing pressure on healthcare facilities and public health resources.

Abbott’s guidance emphasizes that maintaining a manageable routine is more important than attempt