SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development Ilocos (DOH-CHD 1) emphasizes that getting an active lifestyle minimizes the risks of getting diabetes.
In a recent “Kapihan sa Ilocos” interview featuring DOH-CHD 1, Dr. Hannah Corpuz, a medical specialist, explained that foods regularly consumed by people, particularly sweets and carbohydrates like rice and pasta, are broken down into glucose, the body’s primary energy source.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps deliver glucose into cells body function.
However, when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use it, glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this condition develops into diabetes.
Corpuz advises the need for regular exercise as this is particularly beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease.
Regular physical activity helps burn excess glucose and improves the body’s ability to use insulin effectively.
Additionally, exercise is crucial for weight management as obesity is a significant risk factor for developing diabetes.
Individuals at higher risk for diabetes also include those with a family history of the condition, those who are physically inactive, or those who have conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
“If you have any risk factors for diabetes, it’s important to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and maintain a normal weight,” Corpuz explained.
Furthermore, if diabetes worsens, it can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and feet.
Meanwhile, the physician promotes the “Pinggang Pinoy” as a valuable tool for managing diabetes, emphasizing the importance of moderation in all dietary choices.
Pinggang Pinoy is a visual guide developed by the Philippine government to illustrate balanced meal proportions.
It divides a plate into sections representing different food groups: 1/2 of the plate: Rice or other grains (like corn or root crops), 1/4 of the plate: Vegetables, 1/4 of the plate: Protein (fish, meat, poultry, beans, eggs, or tofu) and On the side: Fruits.
“We have the ‘Pinggang Pinoy’ guide where you divide your plate into four sections to represent the recommended proportions of different food groups,” Corpuz said.
To detect the disease early, manage risk factors, and provide timely intervention, the DOH-CHD 1 and the Ilocos Training and Medical Center (ITRMC) regularly conduct free diabetes screenings and check-ups.
The public is encouraged to watch out for scheduled screening events for them to avail by following the Facebook page of DOH Ilocos Region and Health Region 1 for updates. By Rocky Bautista
