MANILA, Philippines — Being diagnosed and then told that you have diabetes is not a death sentence.
Yes, it is true that once you have it, you cannot just shoo it away. Diabetes is a lifelong condition, which happens when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it properly, thus leading to elevated blood sugar levels over time. You have to refrain from eating too much sweets, carbohydrates and a whole lot of other stuff to keep your blood sugar level from spiking.
In the Philippines, over 4.7 million adults live with diabetes and many do not even know it until symptoms or complications appear. Family history, poor eating habits, and a lack of physical activity are common risk factors — but the good news is, diabetes can be managed.
You may have to live with diabetes once you reach that point, but it does not have to stop you from living fully. If left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications — but with the right care, you can stay in control.
For many, nutrition becomes a turning point when incorporated as part of a healthy lifestyle program. You cannot just keep your sugar and carbohydrate intake in control. Your nutrition program has to be already be geared towards diabetes control, and that means eating the proper food and incorporating nutritional supplements that will help you keep your blood sugar in check.
Studies have shown that diabetes-specific nutritional supplements such as Glucerna provide complete and balanced nutrients to support those with diabetes and are clinically proven to help deliver better blood sugar control.
No amount of lecture, though, could compare with a direct and personal encounter with persons who are living with diabetes and are not just surviving but thriving in spite of their health condition.
Edna Panaligan Sta. Ana, Ramon Borromeo and Salvador Baroro share their real life stories and suggest real solutions to the problem. They have found ways to integrate proper nutrition and daily movement into a sustainable lifestyle, proving that managing diabetes can also mean thriving.
Developing structured daily routine
Edna Panaligan Sta. Ana, 64, received her diabetes diagnosis during a routine health screening at a local mall. Although her mother was diagnosed with diabetes, Edna was convinced she had “escaped it.”
That belief changed quickly when her blood sugar was recorded at 200 mg/dL, significantly higher than the typical random blood glucose level of 125 mg/dL or lower. Shocked but determined, she immediately took action.
Upon her diagnosis in 2003, Edna immediately developed a structured daily routine anchored on prevention. Her mornings begin with light indoor cycling or a walk around her garden. She prepares home-cooked meals rich in vegetables and fiber.
Her advocacy extends beyond her home: Edna runs a Facebook page called Elderly of Santa Maria Bulacan, where she shares health tips and nutritional inspirations for fellow elderly Filipinos.
Thanks to her consistency, Edna now maintains her blood sugar at a healthier range of 120 mg/dL. Her story shows that living well with diabetes is not about restrictions but about creating daily habits and nutritional strategies that support energy, health, and independence in older adults.
Overhauling old lifestyle
Ramon Borromeo, 62, a retired seaman, discovered he had diabetes in 1990 during a required medical exam before boarding a ship. Unlike others, he had no symptoms at the time, but the diagnosis motivated him to overhaul his lifestyle. He cut out sugary food, switched to a low-carb diet, and made sure to take his medications on every sea voyage.
In 2024, after experiencing nighttime chills and shaking — which are often signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar — his doctor advised him to take one serving of the nutritional supplement. The effect was both physical and emotional: his blood sugar dropped from 162 mg/dL to 108 mg/dL, and he no longer wakes up trembling but enjoys uninterrupted sleep.
Ramon’s case illustrates the significant benefits of managing glucose variability — particularly during the night, a challenge often overlooked in individuals who have lived with diabetes for many years. His improved sleep quality and better glycemic control highlight the importance of tailored evening nutrition strategies for older adults with diabetes.
Sharp pivot
Salvador Baroro, 64, saw his blood sugar reach 332 mg/dL in 2015, and it became a moment of reckoning in his life. A longtime bakery and grocery store owner, he ate what he wanted and thought little of long-term consequences.
After his diagnosis, Salvador made a sharp pivot. He closed his store, retired early, and committed to daily hikes on nearby mountain trails. In 2018, with encouragement from his doctor, he began drinking the diabetes-specific supplement in the morning and evening.
“It helped keep me full and replaced the bad habits I used to reward myself with,” Salvador said.
As a result, his blood sugar normalized to 105 mg/dL, and he shed nearly 60 kilograms in body weight. Beyond the numbers, Salvador found new structure, freedom, and mental clarity.
His case is a striking example of how combining regular physical activity with a diet incorporating diabetes-specific formula can help reshape not just health, but also quality of life.
Managing diabetes with nutrition
Edna, Ramon, and Salvador are living proof that life with diabetes does not have to mean giving up the things you love. Their journeys highlight how proper nutrition can be a powerful ally in managing diabetes effectively.
Science-backed solutions provide structured nutritional support that helps regulate blood sugar through slow glucose release, improved insulin sensitivity, and enhanced cardio-metabolic health — especially when paired with medication and regular physical activity.
The key is not restriction — it is balance. By incorporating diabetes-specific formulas into the daily routine, you can build healthier habits that are not only easier to maintain but also more sustainable in the long run. With the right knowledge, consistent daily actions, and supportive tools, small steps can lead to meaningful and lasting progress.
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