November 13, 2025
MANILA – At the heart of Filipino gatherings — fiestas, birthdays, reunions, even funerals — food is celebration, tradition, and love. But behind each plate of lechon, pancit, and rice may lie a bitter truth: the growing threat of diabetes.
As the world marks Diabetes Awareness Month this November, new data reveal that the disease remains one of the Philippines’ top killers. Its toll continues to grow silently each year, with thousands still unaware they are living with the condition.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), over 656,000 Filipinos were diagnosed with diabetes in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. But the real figure is likely much higher.
The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 4.7 million Filipino adults now live with diabetes — up from four million in 2019 — while studies found that nearly 2.8 million more remain undiagnosed.
READ: Diabetes: A bitter health crisis for Filipinos
In terms of mortality, diabetes mellitus consistently ranks among the top five causes of death in the Philippines, with 43,944 lives lost in 2024 alone, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
A culture of celebration and risk
“[T]he Filipino diet is typically high in refined carbohydrates, added sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and elevated blood glucose levels,” said Dr. Perie Adorable-Wagan, an endocrinologist at The Medical City Ortigas.
Dr. Adorable-Wagan emphasized that the deeply ingrained cultural practices — especially those surrounding food — are exacerbating the country’s diabetes crisis.
“Traditional Filipino cultural practices involve social gatherings and celebrations centered around food, which can lead to overconsumption of high-calorie and high-sugar foods,” she said. “[P]opular dishes [like] adobo, pancit, and lechon are often prepared with ingredients high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fats, which can impact blood glucose control.”
She also cited modern challenges like preference for processed and fast food, sedentary lifestyles, long work hours, and limited access to safe recreational spaces as aggravating factors — along with smoking, alcohol use, and delay in seeking medical advice.
Diabetes, explained
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it does produce. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar by moving glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it’s used for energy.
When this process fails, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed. Over time, this can lead to serious damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels.
There are three main types of diabetes, each with distinct causes, risk factors, and health implications:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This form is often diagnosed in children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin therapy. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes cases and usually develops quickly, with symptoms appearing suddenly.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common form—accounting for about 90 to 95 percent of cases—and typically develops in adults, although it’s now increasingly seen in teens and children. This type occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. It’s closely linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, physical inactivity, and high blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes may progress silently over time, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making regular screening essential for those at risk.
- Gestational diabetes: This develops during pregnancy in women who did not previously have diabetes. It is diagnosed through prenatal screening and, while often temporary, it increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. Both the mother and child are also at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH), these include:
- Stroke and heart attack
- Kidney failure
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Blindness due to diabetic retinopathy
- Poor wound healing can lead to amputations
The DOH warns that common warning signs of diabetes include:
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Excessive thirst or dry mouth
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Constant hunger
- Blurred vision
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Itchy skin or the genital area
- Wounds or infections that are slow to heal
Because symptoms can be mild or go unnoticed, especially in Type 2 diabetes, early detection through regular blood sugar checks is vital—particularly for those with a family history or other risk factors.
Who’s most at risk?
While anyone can develop diabetes, certain groups of people face a much higher risk due to a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and behavioral factors. According to experts, understanding these risk factors is key to prevention — especially in a country like the Philippines, where diabetes often goes undetected until complications arise.
Age and family history are two well-known, non-modifiable risk factors. Individuals over the age of 40 and those with parents or siblings diagnosed with diabetes face a significantly higher likelihood of developing the disease.
READ: 7 of 10 diabetics don’t get treatment – study
However, studies indicate that lifestyle choices play a significantly more critical role — particularly among younger Filipinos.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of the Asean Federation of Endocrine Societies revealed that Filipino young adults who are obese, smoke, or consume alcohol are significantly more likely to develop diabetes than their peers.
The numbers are striking:
- Young adults who are obese are 22% more likely to have diabetes.
- Those who drink alcohol face a 56% higher risk.
- Smoking increases the risk by 28%.
The risk multiplies when these factors are combined with a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and high levels of stress — conditions that are increasingly common in modern Filipino households.
Experts have also flagged the rapid rise of urban living, fast food consumption, and screen time as emerging concerns. Many Filipinos now work long hours in desk-based jobs, have limited time for physical activity, and rely heavily on processed or instant meals.
Meanwhile, people with hypertension, high cholesterol, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also considered at higher risk. Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are similarly vulnerable to developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Children of diabetic parents are another high-risk group. Often, unhealthy eating patterns, low physical activity, and a reluctance to seek regular check-ups are passed down through generations, normalizing habits that quietly build toward a lifelong illness.
The good news? Most of these risk factors are preventable. Small, consistent changes in daily habits — such as choosing water over sugary drinks, walking more, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight — can drastically lower one’s risk.
As health authorities have repeatedly emphasized, you don’t need to wait for symptoms to show before taking action. If you fall into one or more of these risk groups, it’s crucial to get screened early, talk to a doctor, and take steps toward healthier living — before diabetes takes hold.
From grocery carts to care: How smart choices help
For many Filipinos, managing diabetes can feel overwhelming — but one of the most empowering places to begin is somewhere familiar: the grocery store.
Daily food choices play a powerful role in preventing and controlling diabetes. According to experts, small, intentional decisions — from meal planning to product selection — can significantly impact maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
“From the grocery aisle to the dining table, selecting foods rich in protein, fiber, and low glycemic index carbohydrates can help stabilize blood sugar and sustain energy,” said Dr. Gamaliel Tayao, head of medical affairs at Abbott in the Philippines.
In its latest advisory for Diabetes Awareness Month, Abbott emphasized the importance of building sustainable habits that support long-term glucose control—starting with how Filipinos shop and prepare meals.
The company, known for its work in nutrition science and diabetes management, outlined simple strategies that align with medical recommendations:
- Plan ahead. Creating a weekly meal plan and grocery list can help prevent impulsive, high-sugar purchases and promote consistent, balanced eating.
- Choose local, high-fiber produce. Vegetables like malunggay (moringa), kangkong (water spinach), and okra are nutritious, affordable, and easily available.
- Swap refined grains for better alternatives. Replacing white rice with brown rice or adlai (Job’s tears) can reduce blood sugar spikes due to their lower glycemic index.
- Pick healthier drinks. Water remains the best choice, but options like salabat (ginger tea) or cucumber-lemon infused water offer hydration without added sugar.
- Read labels closely. Focus on total carbohydrates, fiber content, added sugars, and serving size. Be cautious of claims like “sugar-free” or “low-fat,” which may not always indicate a healthy option.
- Watch out for portion sizes. Even healthy foods can raise blood sugar levels if consumed in excess, so portion control remains crucial.
Abbott also noted that specialized low-glycemic nutritional supplements may be helpful for some individuals, particularly those struggling to manage post-meal sugar spikes. One such formulation — Glucerna, developed by Abbott — contains myo-inositol, a naturally occurring compound that has been studied for its potential to support insulin sensitivity and gradual glucose release.
While not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular medical care, supplements like these may be part of a comprehensive strategy, especially for individuals with more complex health needs.
Still, the core message remains clear: empowering individuals with knowledge about what they eat — and how they shop — can lead to better outcomes.
“By making informed, intentional choices, you’re not just filling your cart — you’re investing in your health,” said Dr. Tayao. “Start small, stay consistent, and let your next grocery run be the next first step toward a healthier, more empowered you.”
A call to action
The diabetes epidemic in the Philippines is no longer just a health issue — it’s a cultural, social, and economic challenge.
“[B]arriers to healthcare access, including the lack of insurance and certain cultural beliefs, may prevent Filipinos from receiving timely diabetes screening and treatment,” said Dr. Adorable-Wagan.
As cases continue to rise, experts say awareness, early detection, and education are crucial not just in November but every day.
However, beyond individual responsibility, public health systems must ensure access to affordable diagnostics, medications such as insulin and oral drugs, and patient education, particularly in low- and middle-income communities.