It is a common perception that eating too much sweet causes diabetes, but this is not entirely true according of a health expert.

Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators (PADE) President Dr. Francis Pasaporte emphasized that while eating sweet can be one factor, still, the common cause of diabetes is genetics which means there is a history of such disease in the family.

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is a chronic disease, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to an increased concentration of glucose in the blood or hyperglycaemia.

Dr. Victor Villareal of the Diabetes Resource Center based in La Paz district said people with diabetes are more vulnerable to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, erectile dysfunction for men and could even lead to blindness.

Pasaporte added other risk factors are the environment, lifestyle, increase in height and weight, increased maternal age at delivery, exposure to some viral infections, diet and physical inactivity, increasing age and ethnicity.

Pasaporte said there are three main types of diabetes. One is type 1 diabetes which is sometimes called as insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetes which is caused by an auto-immune reaction where the body's defense system attacks the insulin-producing cell. This usually occurs in children or young adults.

Type 2 is non-insulin dependent or adult-onset diabetes. It is characterized by insulin resistance which may be present at the time that diabetes becomes clinically manifest. This usually occurs after the age of 40 but can occur earlier especially in populations with high diabetes prevalence.

The last one is gestational diabetes (GDM) which consists of high blood glucose levels during the pregnancy that is associated with complications in the period immediately before and after birth.

SIGNS

Pasaporte said some common signs of diabetes are frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, tiredness, lack of interest and concentration, vomiting and stomach pain, numbness in hands or feet, blurred vision, frequent infections and slow-healing wounds.

The doctor added that type 1 diabetes is usually sudden and dramatic while symptoms can hardly be detected with people having type 2 diabetes which is often mild.

MANAGEMENT

Pasaporte said all types of diabetes have no cure but this can be prevented and controlled by appropriate medication, quality of care and good medical advice.

"If you are following proper medication, you could still have an active and healthy life as well as reduce the risk of developing complications," he said.

Pasaporte said good diabetes control is keeping the blood sugar levels as close to normal and this could be achieved by doing physical exercise at least 30 minutes daily, maintaining body weight, healthy eating by avoiding sugars and saturated fats and limit alcohol consumption and use of tobacco.

Currently, the doctor said they are monitoring more than 500 diabetes patients in their clinics in Pototan, Iloilo; Osamis City, San Carlos in Negros Occidental, and La Paz district this city.

TESTIMONY

Having a family history of diabetes, 21-yer old Judith Montales said that she learned that she had the same disease after collapsing in school at the age of 19.

At first, she thought that it was just an asthma attack but her doctor told her that her sugar level is so high. Since then, she started taking medicines for diabetes.

Montales added that she had attended several orientations about diabetes and she was well-educated on how to maintain a meaningful life despite of her situation.

Apart from her taking her medicines, Montales also said that she is regularly exercising and watching her diet.

RISE

There is one in every five Filipinos who have diabetes, according to Dr. Villareal and he warned that number will continue to rise if people are ignorant about the disease.

In his talk in line with the kick off for the awareness campaign for the prevention and treatment of diabetes held yesterday at Robinsons Place Iloilo, Villareal noted that one third of the people with diabetes do not know that they have it, and were only diagnosed when complications arise.

"Without insulin, the body cells would not be able to utilize the glucose for energy," he said.

Villareal said that just like other diseases, "diabetes is a great economic burden that comes like a thief in the night."

He said that people with diabetes need sustainable treatment which is costly.

With the theme, Diabetes Education and Prevention, Ilonggos are urged to participate in various activities in line with the World Diabetes month celebration this November.

During yesterday's kick-off Ilonggos were treated to free blood sugar screenings and diet education from the various health professionals in the city.

To encourage more youth to participate in the campaign, the Iloilo Kpop Organization also spearheaded the 'Flash Mob for Diabetes.'

Ilonggos are also urged to participate for the Global Diabetes Walk on November 17 at Iloilo River Esplanade. The event is a fund raising activity for the insulin-using indigent diabetics.

After the walk, participants will also have a zumba exercise to emphasize the importance of active lifestyle in preventing and fighting diabetes.

Later that day, a ceremonial lighting activity dubbed as "Light the Sky Blue" will be held in different landmarks of the city; at the Arroyo Fountain in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and at the Iloilo City Hall.

On November 23, there will be a World Diabetes Day Expo wherein an educational theme park about diabetes will be staged at Robinsons Mall Iloilo.

There were also be a two-day World Diabetes Day Summit slated on November 22 to 23 for doctors, nurses, medical technologist, and other allied professionals.

The activities are sponsored by the Diabetes Resource Center, Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators, Association of Diabetes Nurse-Educators of the Philippines, Diabetes Philippines, JCI Dinagyang, and the Iloilo Kpop Organization.*