As type 2 diabetes climbs to become the fifth-leading cause of death in the Philippines, Sanofi Philippines medical head doctor Gian Tenorio on Tuesday warned that fear and misinformation are making the crisis worse.
“Effective diabetes care begins with the right information. Your doctor is the best source for medical advice, as it’s personalized based on your condition,” Tenorio said.
The health expert added that lack of health literacy is causing many Filipinos to delay or avoid treatment, even when effective therapies are readily available.
He noted that common misconceptions, such as the belief that insulin is a last resort or a sign of failure, are discouraging patients from taking necessary steps to manage their condition.
Health officials project that by 2045, as many as 7.5 million Filipinos could be living with diabetes, a condition that is often preventable and highly manageable when addressed early.
Type 2 diabetes is typically linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity, and is usually managed first through nutrition, exercise, and oral medication.
When those measures are no longer enough, doctors may recommend insulin or other therapies to stabilize blood sugar and prevent complications.
“When patients understand their condition and the treatment options available to them, it helps them become more open to making informed decisions and more confident in following their doctor’s advice,” Tenorio said.
This Diabetes Awareness Week, health advocates are calling for renewed efforts to fight misinformation and equip patients with tools to take control of their health.
“Aside from your doctor, if you need educational materials on diabetes management, get these only from trusted, science-backed resources,” Tenorio concluded.
