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Breaking the pattern of diabetes in the family

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<div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17593628839531759362898823.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo source: <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-glucometer-7653114/">Pexels</a></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">If diabetes runs in your family, you might have to be careful about your lifestyle choices. Maybe during a medical checkup, the doctor asks about your family history, and you realize that Lola, Tita, and Kuya all had diabetes. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">According to <a href="https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/genetics-diabetes">research</a>, people may inherit a predisposition to the disease, however, it alone is not enough to trigger the disease itself. Environmental factors and lifestyle play a crucial role in developing the condition. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Moreover, if you notice that you:</p><p style="line-height:1">- Are regularly feeling very tired</p><p style="line-height:1">- Are peeing more than usual</p><p style="line-height:1">- Are feeling thirsty all the time</p><p style="line-height:1">- Are losing weight without trying to</p><p style="line-height:1">- Have blurred vision</p><p style="line-height:1">- Have cuts or wounds taking long to heal</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">You may want to have your blood sugar tested as these signs are the <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms/">most common symptoms</a> of type 2 diabetes.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">In the Philippines, diabetes has become a growing public health concern. By the year 2030, an estimated 7.8 million Filipinos will have diabetes. According to the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/6/6/2-in-10-pinoys-are-prediabetic-study-1520">two out of every 10 Filipinos</a> adults aged 20 to 59 are already prediabetic. Prediabetes was found to be more common in men than in women.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">In 2024, diabetes ranked as the fifth leading cause of death in the country, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>What increases your risk? </strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Advancing age, being overweight, and lack of physical activity all <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/index.html">increase the likelihood</a> of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk also rises if you have a family history of diabetes or if you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Time to get checked</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Regular screening is essential. Your doctor may recommend one of the following <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-testing/index.html">tests</a>: </p><p style="line-height:1">- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: No food for eight hours before the test. A result of 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. </p><p style="line-height:1">- A1C Test: No fasting required. This test shows your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. A result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes. </p><p style="line-height:1">- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Measures blood sugar before and two hours after consuming a sweet liquid. A result between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicates prediabetes.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Especially if diabetes or pre-diabetes is detected early, managing or preventing diabetes does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small changes may lead to significant results.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Losing just 7% of your body weight may reduce your risk of developing diabetes by more than half. Increasing your intake of vegetables, choosing brown rice instead of white, and avoiding sugary beverages may help improve blood sugar control.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For those who are lean and physically active, it is also important to <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/healthy-living-with-diabetes">consider</a> avoiding stress, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, have enough sleep, get a regular screening, and find out from your doctor if some of the medications that you might be taking might affect or put you at risk of diabetes. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Physical activity plays a vital role. Walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, may improve the way your body uses insulin. Speak with your doctor about which type of exercise is best for your health.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Even small habits—such as drinking a lot of water, walking after meals, or getting good sleep—help stabilize blood sugar levels.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">You can try Glucerna for diabetes control. It helps control your blood sugar levels and hunger pangs, and helps for steady release of energy, with balanced meals and healthy lifestyle.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1"><a href="https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/glucerna/get-glucerna/ask-an-expert.html?utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1193-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=251001_251031&amp;utm_content=traffic-artfamily">Glucerna</a> has a unique triple control system with 4x myo-inositol vs. previous formula, slow release carbohydrates, and chromium designed to help support people with diabetes. </p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:430px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17593365081101759336507512.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo source: Abbott</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><p style="line-height:1"> You can enjoy Glucerna flavors such as Vanilla and Chocolate for your everyday drink, or you may include it in diabetes-friendly recipes.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Diabetes may run in your family, but you may choose a lifestyle that manages your blood sugar. You may also share habits, such as meal patterns, physical activity, and sleep routines with the whole family for everyone to live happy and healthy.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For more information, visit the official Glucerna <a href="https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/glucerna/get-glucerna/ask-an-expert.html?utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1193-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=251001_251031&amp;utm_content=traffic-artfamily" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>. To explore Glucerna products, visit their <a href="https://shopee.ph/scp/34402434/eyJjaWQiOjQwMTUxLCJzaWQiOjM0NDAxMDUwLCJpc0RyYWZ0IjpmY%20WxzZX0%3D?utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1193-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=251001_251031&amp;utm_content=traffic-artfamily">Shopee</a>, <a href="https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/abbott1630395516/custom-1654438190093.html?utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1193-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=251001_251031&amp;utm_content=traffic-artfamily">Lazada</a>, and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@alagangfamilynutrition?lang=en&amp;utm_source=abs-cbn&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=adultnutrition-glucerna-powder-spark-abb-ph-glu-social-25-1193-always%20on-traffic&amp;utm_term=251001_251031&amp;utm_content=traffic-artfamily">TikTok</a> pages.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">ASC Reference Number: A0126P081925G</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

<p>Filipinos love food, but for many, diabetes has taken away the happiness of eating if they have family history of diabetes. But with the right choices, Filipinos can still live happily and healthily.</p>

Filipinos love food, but for many, diabetes has taken away the happiness of eating if they have family history of diabetes. But with the right choices, Filipinos can still live happily and healthily.

Breaking the pattern of diabetes in the family

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Breaking the pattern of diabetes in the family

Glucerna

Published Oct 02, 2025 02:20 PM PHT

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