DIABETES mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced.

Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is being used by cells to utilize sugar for energy production.

The classical symptoms for diabetes mellitus are frequent urination, increased thirst and increased hunger.

Diabetes has two main types. Type 1 diabetes results from the body’s failure to produce insulin and requires the person to inject insulin. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes combined with an absolute insulin deficiency.

The causes of diabetes are attributed to both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise.

The 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) reported that the prevalence of high fasting blood sugar (FBS) in the Philippines is 4.8 percent, based on the average FBS of more than 126 milligrams per deciliter.

Fasting blood sugar is a blood test that determines the amount of glucose in the blood and is mainly used in screening for pre-diabetes or diabetes.

In people already with diabetes, blood glucose monitoring at frequent intervals is important to manage the condition.

Data from the NNS showed that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) increases with age. Among young adults 20-29 years old, DM prevalence is as low as 0.4 percent, increasing at 3.2 percent among adults 30-39 years old. This nearly doubles at 5.7 percent among the 40-49 years old, then to 9.0 percent among 50-59 years old. DM prevalence is highest among older persons 60-69 years old at 9.1 percent.

The prevalence of hyperglycemia (or high FBS level) increased from 3.4 percent in 2003 to 4.8 percent in 2008.

In late adulthood, foods need to be chosen carefully to ensure adequate nutrition without excess consumption of calories since physiological changes that accompany aging may affect nutrition.

There is actually no treatment for diabetes mellitus, though it can be controlled and still be prevented with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle.

A diabetic diet needs a healthy eating plan that is high in nutrients, low in fat, and moderate in calories.

Inclusion of foods rich in fiber such as oats, cereals, legumes, whole grain products, dried beans, peas, lentils, fruits and vegetables will help in blood sugar control.

A healthy lifestyle must be encouraged, such that smoking and excessive alcohol drinking should be avoided.

Moreover, it is suggested that patients with diabetes start physical activities such as walking 20 minutes three to four times a week, then gradually increasing this to 30 minutes. Physical activities should be something genuinely enjoyed so that it becomes a lifetime habit.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

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(Dr. Imelda A. Agdeppa is an Assistant Scientist at the Department of Science and Technology detailed at the FNRI-DOST. She finished her doctorate degree in Nutrition, Cum Laude, at the Regional Center on Food and Nutrition, University of Indonesia.)