FIVE million out of every 100 million Filipinos have diabetes, making it as one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide.
Dr. Irwin Aribas, coordinator of Diabetes Philippines Cagayan de Oro chapter, said half of the five million diabetic patients are undetected.
"Diabetics often die from complications due to other diseases," Aribas said during a lecture on diabetes Thursday at the Cagayan de Oro Press Club where the members of the group conducted free diabetes and cholesterol screening to members of the media.
Aribas said diabetes is a condition in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced.
Among the types of Diabetes are Type 1 or insulin dependent, Type 2 or non-insulin dependent and the gestational diabetes for pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but have high blood glucose level during pregnancy.
Aribas said the cause of diabetes depends on its type. For Type 2, this is primarily due to lifestyle factors and genetics while Type 1 is partly inherited but triggered by certain infections.
He said having diabetes is very expensive due to the costly medicines and maintenance.
"Once a person has diabetes, he will carry that for the rest of his life. It can create complications of the kidney, liver, heart and other organs which may lead to death. But it can easily be controlled," Aribas said.
He said the people must be conscious of their health and undergo regular testing of their blood sugar level.
To those already diagnosed with diabetes, Aribas said they must completely understand their ailment and do regular sensible exercise.
"They must receive diabetic support from their doctors and have a goal of keeping both short term and long term blood glucose levels within acceptable bounds," he said.
As part of Diabetes Philippines Cagayan de Oro's campaign, which serves as the highlight of the Diabetes Awareness Week focusing on the theme "Stop Diabetes, Now Na!" Aribas said they are conducting a series of information drive on its prevention including the conduct of free blood sugar testing and cholesterol screening at the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School, Madonna and Child Hospital, River View Inn and at the COPC.
Aribas said those who cannot afford to pay for sugar test and cholesterol check, the Northern Mindanao Medical Center offers free testing every Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Nicole J. Managbanag)