Watsons and Diabetes Philippines Inc. Join Forces to Deliver Diabetes Care

For most of us, pharmacists are just there to dispense medicines and interpret the doctor's prescription—nothing more, nothing less.

- By LAI S. REYES

But did you know that you can go and ask your friendly neighborhood pharmacist for advice on medicines, including how to take them, and what reactions may occur?

They can also provide information and tips on smoking cessation, cholesterol and yes, blood sugar management—empowering Filipinos to take charge of their health and ultimately helping manage lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes.

‘Mabuti Pa Ang Langgam—Alam’

Diabetes is a chronic disease that impacts a significant portion of the global population. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 589 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, with 215 million of them in the Western Pacific region, a number projected to rise to 254 million by 2025.

The Philippines, one of the 38 countries in this region, is facing a growing diabetes burden. As of 2024, out of a total adult population of over 71 million, approximately 7.5 percent are living with diabetes.

What’s more alarming is that one in every two people with diabetes doesn’t know that he/she has it. And, as the saying goes, “Mabuti pa ang langgam—alam.”

People with diabetes (or high blood sugar) may have seen ants being attracted to their urine. Some congregate near unflushed toilet bowls, while some are seen in hamper baskets with soiled underwear.

I’m aware of all these because my husband is a diabetic, and I lost my sister to complications of this debilitating disease, which could have been prevented had she been aware of her risk and acted upon it.