World Diabetes Day: Sweet Talk Your Way Out of Diabetes

 

The goal of diabetes management is to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as safely possible. Since diabetes may greatly increase the risk for heart disease and peripheral artery disease, measures to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels are an essential part of diabetes treatment as well. 

People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care. This includes monitoring blood glucose levels, dietary management, maintaining physical activity, keeping weight and stress under control, monitoring oral medications and, if required, insulin use via injections or pumps. 

It was in 2015 that I first learned I had diabetes mellitus. Prior to that, I wasn’t aware I was diabetic. In fact, I accidentally found out about my health right after my right eye bled and I started seeing “floaters.” It turned out I already had diabetic retinopathy. I had my damaged eye undergo two laser treatments/pan-retinal photocoagulation treatment. Unfortunately, the retina on my right eye has been severely damaged and is already irreversible.

My endocrinologist says diabetes may lead to a whole lot of complications. But he insisted that although it is not treatable, it is a manageable health condition. For him, it’s just a matter of healthy living along with a huge change of lifestyle. I know it sounds simple but it is actually difficult to do. 

I recently attended a webinar called Sweet Talk Your Way Out of Diabetes media get-together via Zoom. It was for the month-long celebration of World Diabetes Day. In the words of Sanofi’s Country Lead Dr. Amal Makhloufi, “we put the spotlight on what is being done to create awareness and provide solutions for those affected by this lifestyle disease.”

The said event was also created to amplify their Panata in cultivating a healthier Philippines for all. It was a friendly and casual approach on how they can bring important topics such as diabetes care into the spotlight without instilling fear among the audience.

“Our goal is to make it easier for every Filipino to seek access to quality innovative care. It is our mission to just go beyond medicines, but to look and explore holistic care and management especially for our patients with chronic conditions like diabetes,” Dr. Makhloufi shared during her opening remarks.

The said event was well attended by press and bloggers, alongside the general public who were able to join the live via Step Up for Diabetes, Philippine Diabetes Support, and Sabrina’s Kitchen Facebook Pages. Both audiences were able to get a handful of information about how to do grocery shopping for diabetics and how to mindfully create a healthy routine for everyone in the household. Several industry icons and experts were also present to add value to the event.

Bianca Dualan of Sakro and Tonyo Silva of Gising Gising PH were generous enough to answer curious questions from the attendees and share their knowledge on how to create a healthy grocery shopping habit. They also talked about the role of their Panata Box and how it provides attainable access to lifestyle diseases care and management.

The Panata Box is Gising Gising’s newest addition, hinging from Sanofi’s Panata, which contains high fiber, low glycemic index/glycemic load fruits and vegetables that help in diabetes management.

For every Panata Box sold, Gising Gising PH shall also share a box to patients from the Philippine Diabetes Support. The Philippine Diabetes Support is an organization that helps spread awareness on this lifestyle disease. 

diabetic patients, community support is as crucial as the treatment itself. Cynthia Yu Duntz of Philippine Diabetes Support remarked how important it is to create a spirit of companionship and empathy among patients dealing with the same situation.

 

The event wouldn’t be complete without a special recipe demonstration. Former Bb. Pilipinas-International and now a chef, Sabrina Artadi shared a mouthwatering recipe for her Mango Pineapple Yogurt treat that can definitely be enjoyed even by diabetic patients.

A longer Instagram Live on Sanofi PH’s official Instagram page will happen on December 1, Wednesday, featuring more of Chef Sabrina’s recipes and techniques on how to enjoy a gastronomic experience without the guilt.

“It is our Panata here in the PH to improve the management of this disease because [once again, remember] it's not the end of life, it's the beginning of change to empower people to [a] better life, live their life.” Dr. Amal Makhloufi shared during her Q&A portion.

For more information on Sanofi PH’s programs and campaigns on lifestyle diseases management, visit the official website and verified Instagram and LinkedIn pages.