Cotabato City, November 14, 2024 – The Ministry of Health (MOH), today, observed World Diabetes Day at the MOH Compound which aimed to raise awareness about Diabetes, a Chronic condition affecting 420 million people worldwide in 2023, the 7th leading cause of mortality, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, which is often linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.

In the Philippines, diabetes is a significant health concern, with 4.3 million cases and 16,970 deaths reported in 2021, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This makes it the fourth leading cause of death in the country. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) warns of a further surge, projecting 7.5 million Filipinos with diabetes by 2045 if current trends persist. This alarming projection urges the ministry to further strengthen its program on health education, awareness, prevention, and management strategies to combat this growing health crisis.

Michelle F Lu-Kanain, regional program coordinator of Lifestyle Related diseases discussed several recommended ways to avoid Diabetes, such as eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight Management, Regular Health Check-ups, regular monitoring of sugar levels, and maintenance for those who are diagnosed with Diabetes.