Diabetes and misconceptions

None of my immediate family has diabetes, this has been my insurance as I binge on sweets during last year’s holiday season. I never thought of being afraid of sugar until early this year when the result of my random blood test came out with a borderline high blood sugar.

Although not to be considered a diabetic yet, still, the risk is imminent and I have to do something to correct it.


Statistics

Philippines has been named as one the world’s emerging diabetes hotspot having treated 3.2 million cases in 2014 alone according to a study made by The International Diabetes Foundation.

Diabetes is a lifelong chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to use the energy found in food.

For non-diabetics, the sugar and carbohydrates in the food are transformed into glucose, which the cells absorb in the bloodstream with the help of a hormone called insulin. However, for those with Diabetes the body do not produce or do not have enough insulin therefore it cannot absorb the glucose, which creates a build-up in the blood and often leads to more serious illnesses. 

This has been the reason that there is a mindset wherein people living with diabetes lead very restricted lives. In some ways, this might be true but generally should not be the case.

This is a misconception is very familiar to Gary Valenciano , a known diabetic who lives an active lifestyle.

Gary was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when at fourteen years old and was told by his doctors that he would not live past the age of forty. This is a very harsh pronouncement given to a boy his age.

Thirty-seven years after his diagnosis and more than 90,000 insulin injections later, Gary has never been more active in both his personal and professional life.  The artist, performer, athlete and family man’s strong resolve to constantly defeat the disease comes after his worst hypoglycemic attack in 2005, which almost claimed his life.  Ten years after that fateful event, he is now complication free and has been called a living miracle by many doctors.


Gary is a living proof that diabetes is not a hindrance to live a normal life.

How does he do it? His outlook is one of great resolve. “I’m living a life with diabetes but I won’t let it stop me”, This was said during a 2009 interview with Ces Drilon.  He believes that proper management of the disease allows him to live a rich, dynamic life. 

This multi-awarded performer shares that religiously doing exercise, careful observation of his blood sugar, taking the right medication and having a proper diet helps him in his miraculous journey in dealing with diabetes.                                                     
Diabetic meal plan

A diet that includes DiabetaMil is one that Gary V.  lives by. This reduced calorie, sugar-free Cereal and Non-Cereal drink contain vitamins, minerals and protein specially formulated for people with diabetes. It is enriched with Chromium Picolinate and Dietary Fiber, is high in Calcium and has a Low Glycemic (GI) Value.

 The mineral Chromium Picolinate found in the drink can aid in both glucose and insulin metabolism by breaking down the fats, protein and cholesterol.  Dr. Lanny Lestiani, a Medical Nutritionist at the University of Indonesia, testifies that ‘chromium showed its potential in improving insulin sensitivity; DiabetaMil enriched with chromium (250 mcg per serving) may be beneficial for diabetics to improve their glycemic control’. In addition, this nutritional drink also fulfills the Codex requirement as source of calcium, which can be beneficial in optimizing glucose metabolism.  

The high fiber oat content in DiabetaMil Chocolate & Vanilla drinks, help lower bad cholesterol. It also contains a glycemic index (GI) value level of 30.5 which helps reduce overall blood glucose level. 

 


During the press conference, Gary V. mentioned that it all boils down to what you eat and how you take care of your condition.

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Trusted by nutritionist

Several nutritionists have confirmed the benefits of including DiabetaMil to a diabetic’s daily balanced diet. “The usage of non-sugar sweetening agents (sucralose and acesulfame K) to DiabetaMil may help diabetics reduce their blood glucose level”, attests Dr. Widjaja Lukito, an associate professor of the Nutrition Department at the University of Indonesia. Because DiabetaMil is a reduced calorie meal substitute, it ‘can help diabetics control their body weight’, endorses Ayu Dwi Irianti, a Nutrition Coordinator at one of Jakarta’s premier hospitals. 

Aside from the multi-flavored nutritional drinks, DiabetaMil also offers low-calorie and sugar-free cookies suitable for diabetics. Snacks have an important role in the daily diet as they help keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.

DiabetaMil has a delicious lineup of cereal (Vanilla and Chocolate flavors) & non-cereal drinks (Moccachinno flavor) and cookies (Nutty Chocolate and Vanilla Dried Fruit flavors) that allows one a healthy and nutritious meal without sacrificing its taste. Just like Gary, DiabetaMil believes that there are DiabetaMillion ways to enjoy life.  So don’t let diabetes stop you from enjoying life!

DiabetaMil is available in all leading supermarkets, groceries and drugstores.

Visit them on Facebook for more updates https://www.facebook.com/DiabetamilPhilippines