Pinoys with inactive lifestyle may develop diabetes

Monday, February 13, 2012

DUE to inactive lifestyle, Filipinos are more likely to develop diabetes, which is among the leading causes of mortality in the country.

Dr. Roy Ferrer, president of the Diabetes Philippines Davao Chapter, said Monday that patients with diabetes topped the number of admissions in tertiary hospitals in the country.

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He said the increase in number of cases of diabetes is blamed on their inactive lifestyle, unmindful of the daily food intake, making it prevalent not only in older people but also the younger ones.

"Nagapabata na ang maapektuhan sa diabetes (People who are affected by diabetes are getting younger)," Ferrer said.

Today, children are more engaged in playing computer games instead of activities that require physical exercises.

Ferrer said diabetes can be acquired from two risk factors -- modifiable and non-modifiable.

The non-modifiable risk factor usually develops due to age or if there's a noted case of diabetes in the family history.

The modifiable risk factor, on the other hand, is caused mainly of sedentary lifestyle that is common among the young ones.

Food plays an important role in one's life, according to Ferrer. He said parents should not feed children with junk foods and other unhealthy foods.

"Ang gulay ay pampahaba ng buhay (vegetables lengthen life)," he said, adding that what children are supposed to be eating are vegetables rich in fiber. (Antonio L. Colina IV)