Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition that prevents a person’s pancreas from producing insulin, the hormone responsible for turning food into energy and regulating a person’s blood sugar level. Common symptoms of this condition include increased thirst and frequent urination, constant hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and fatigue.
With their body’s lack of insulin, people with Type 1 Diabetes require four insulin injections a day and must adapt a certain lifestyle to regulate their blood sugar levels, as failing to do so would cause sugar to build up in their bloodstream and lead to complications. This alarming condition is commonly diagnosed in childhood, where individuals are usually taught ways of managing it for the rest of their lives.
However, with Type 1 Diabetes rarely being discussed, most people are often unaware of important details such as its cause, symptoms, and how to care for someone with the condition.
The Philippine Pediatrics Society’s Dr. Maria Cristina Ignacio-Alberto noted that this lack of awareness leads to many misconceptions surrounding people’s understanding of what Type 1 Diabetes is and what it means for those affected.
“Many people believe that the cause of Type 1 Diabetes involves a child being given too much sugar. That’s not the case. There is some genetic disposition, but usually, it’s sporadic—it just happens,” said Ignacio-Alberto.
She added that, like other autoimmune diseases, Type 1 Diabetes can be triggered by viral diseases such as mumps and measles or any other infection. While the condition is rare, it can still affect anyone, with those most at risk being children between the ages of 4 and 7, which Ignacio-Alberto assured can still be manageable.
“There are no limitations to the physical activities that [children with Type 1 Diabetes] can do, but they have to check their blood sugar first because if it is down, it will cause hypoglycemia, which is dangerous,” she said.
Recognizing the need to raise more awareness about the condition, health, wellness, and beauty retailer Watsons launched a campaign on Dec. 4 at the Craft Academy in Ayala Malls Manila Bay. The campaign highlights the stories of several children living with Type 1 Diabetes and aims to showcase the importance of early diabetes detection and screenings.
The campaign featured three children with Type 1 Diabetes: Neo Eliseo Linga, Ana Sophia Valencia, and Liam James Lebron. It also shared how their parents discovered their condition and how they managed it. The campaign’s launch included a discussion about Type 1 Diabetes facilitated by Ignacio-Alberto, attended by children and their parents from Type 1 Diabetes Society PH and T1 Diabetes Parents PH.
“Diabetes, especially in children, calls for unwavering dedication, love, and resilience. The journey truly takes a village, but a diagnosis is not a limitation,” said Watsons Philippines customer director Jared De Guzman.
“At Watsons, we stand firmly with families on this journey. Through accessible diabetes management products, free health services, and awareness campaigns like #Type1Story, we are dedicated to empowering every child to live their best life and helping families create brighter, healthier futures,” he added.
Watsons offers a wide range of diabetes care products in all its stores nationwide and through the Watsons App. There are also free clinic check-ups conducted in selected Watsons stores.