AstraZeneca and health care professionals launch nationwide campaign to help Filipinos with diabetes achieve early control
The Philippines is among the top 15 countries with the highest prevalence of Type-2 diabetes in the world. More than four million Filipinos are diagnosed diabetics, and many more are unaware they have the disease. Moreover, eight out of 10 Filipinos with Type-2 diabetes mellitus are struggling to achieve their target blood glucose level, putting them at risk of developing serious complications.
To help address this challenge, research-based pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) have launched a collaborative effort called “Mission: Diabetes Early Control (EC) 365.”
“The nationwide campaign will involve healthcare professionals, local diabetes societies and Type-2 diabetes patients from over 20 cities and provinces. It aims to promote early detection of diabetes and lowering of HbA1c. HbA1c is a key marker of Type-2 diabetes control that indicates a patient’s average blood sugar level over a period of two to three months,” said Araceli Panelo, chairman of the board of the Institute for the Studies of Diabetes Foundation Inc. (ISDFI).
“Lowering HbA1c by just one percent significantly reduces a patient’s risk of serious Type-2 diabetes complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, limb amputations and kidney failure,” said Aurora Macaballug of the Board of Directors, of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.
“Lifestyle modification is key to managing Type-2 diabetes complications. This includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. A healthy lifestyle is complemented by optimal anti-diabetes medications such as tablets and insulin,” added Karin Garcia, PAFP.
Furthermore, according to Macaballug, early control of Type-2 diabetes delays or prevents microvascular complications such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. “AstraZeneca is committed to partnering with healthcare professionals and patients in the prevention and management of Type-2 diabetes in the country. Together with the PAFP, our goal is to promote effective blood glucose control and prevent serious Type-2 complications among Filipino diabetics,” said Justin Chin, country pesident, AstraZeneca Philippines.
“Our mission is to reach a collective reduction of 1,000 HbA1c percent per day in 365 days for a total of 365,000 HbA1c percent-reduction,” said Dr. Jose Carlos Miranda, member, Steering Committee, Mission: Diabetes Early Control 365.
For more information about AstraZeneca’s commitment to diabetes prevention and management, visit www.astrazeneca.com. or the Philippine Academy of Family Physician official Facebook Page www.facebook.com/Philippine-Academy-of-FamilyPhysicians-inc-230837143625570/
Consult your physician to learn more about early diagnosis and control of Type-2 diabetes.