{"id":791,"date":"2021-10-01T16:50:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T08:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nowserving.ph\/healthblog\/?p=791"},"modified":"2026-01-22T13:02:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T05:02:13","slug":"living-with-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nowserving.ph\/blog\/living-with-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Living With Diabetes and How To Conquer It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“I’m living a life with diabetes, but I’m not letting it stop me.”<\/strong><\/p>-Gary Valenciano, during an interview with Ces Drillon dated 2009 (Filipino singer-songwriter, dancer, musician, actor, music producer and television host)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

According to the Internal Diabetes Federation<\/em>, “Diabetes<\/strong> is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is insulin, and what is its role in the body?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once we have digested the food we have eaten, the complex carbohydrates, protein and fat, are further digested.  These become simple end products commonly known as glucose, amino acid, and fatty acids, respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glucose has a vital role in energy production, most importantly for the brain and the blood cells. Glucose is not absorbed by our body right away.  It still needs a transport system before it can be used up by our cells to produce energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. This specific substance carries glucose from the bloodstream and into the cells to generate the power for it to function. Without insulin, glucose will remain in the blood, and this condition is referred to as hyperglycemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who cannot produce insulin or are insulin resistant would have long-term high glucose levels, eventually leading to organ damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As published by the International Diabetes Federation<\/em> last May 2020, it is estimated that there are currently 463 million people worldwide who suffer from diabetes<\/a><\/strong>, and 3,003,300 of which come from the Philippines. These numbers are expected to rise to 212 million by 2045 in the western pacific region alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These numbers are pretty alarming. The best way to combat this chronic and debilitating disease is patient education and timely information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outlined by the Internal Diabetes Federation<\/em> are the three main types of diabetes, namely Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type 1 diabetes<\/strong> which typically develops at any age, is often seen in children and adolescents. In this type of diabetes, the body either does not produce insulin or, if able to, an only insufficient amount of insulin. The total or partial deficiency of insulin leads to abnormal blood glucose levels that could negatively affect the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type 2 diabetes<\/strong> is the sub-type more commonly occurring in adults. Type 2 diabetes is responsible for around 90% of all diabetes cases<\/a> worldwide. In patients having type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but does not effectively use the produced hormone. The cornerstone of management of type 2 diabetes revolves around adequate physical activity and a healthy diet, but as the disease progresses, some patients may be needing oral drugs and\/or insulin to maintain good blood glucose control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last but not least is Gestational diabetes<\/strong> (GDM). As implied by the name, this is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. The high blood glucose, brought about by hormones of pregnancy, affects the mother and the child as well. GDM typically resolves after pregnancy. It is also ideal to stress that both mothers and infants of diabetic mothers are at significant risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One notable person living with Diabetes is Edgardo Jose Gary Santiago Valenciano or more commonly known as Mr. Pure Energy Gary V. Born on August 6, 1964, he has been living with type 1 diabetes since diagnosed at a young age of 14. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common misconceptions that circle around is that this lifelong chronic disease can restrict our day-to-day life and can significantly impact the way we live. The “infodemic” has brought about many misnomers about our life turning a complete 360 once we are diagnosed with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Gary V did not let his illness discourage him from becoming the success that he is. At 56 years old and 34 years in the music industry, he has bagged numerous multi-platinum recordings despite living with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next big question is what predisposes one to develop diabetes<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is stated by the Center for Disease Control<\/em> that the following risk factors are responsible for the development of diabetes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n