One hundred diabetic kids from the patient support groups namely; Rainbow Camp, Phil. Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology Camp (PSPME), Dialysis PH and the Diabetes Association of Camp Crame Inc. gathered at the health and wellness fair held at SM Megamall’s event center last May 16.
Participants of the event took part in a half day program promoting better nutrition and lifestyle. The event was held to showcase a day in the life of a Type 1 diabetes patient through a series of activities and presentations from health, fitness and nutrition partners that seek to create awareness on the effective ways to fight diabetes and to correct misconceptions surrounding it.
Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels associated with long term damage and failure of organ functions, especially the eyes, the kidneys, the nerves, the heart and blood vessels. According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, diabetes is currently the 4th leading cause of death in the Philippines.
According to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, one form of diabetes is Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes. It is often referred to as “juvenile” diabetes, because it usually develops among children and teenagers, though it can develop at any age. With Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks part of its own pancreas.
Typically, a person with type 1 diabetes treats the disease by taking insulin injections. Through insulin injection, glucose can now be brought to the body’s cells. This treatment is an exacting balancing act as it hinges on many factors including food, exercise, stress and emotional and general health.
While the prevalence of diabetes continues to soar, medical experts and health organizations agree that there are still a lot to be done in terms of creating awareness on prevention and care of diabetic patients. Through the Health and Wellness Fair, organizations from private, business and health sectors gathered to make sure that despite the challenges, diabetic patients are still able to live a full life and it starts by taking the step towards achieving and maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.