Keeping up with Mr. Pure Energy - Gary V on his diabetes journey and living freely

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Gary Valenciano, an icon, well known as Mr. Pure Energy, shared how he manages his journey while battling diabetes for more than four decades now.

A roundtable webinar conversation was held with the Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, regarding his new diabetes journey, shares his ways of managing the disease and he also revealed his secret weapon in fighting it.

Gary has been battling type 1 diabetes since he was 14 years old. “I was diagnosed with it. I was fourteen years old. My sugar level hit 700-something plus. At least during my time, from what I know, the normal level goes from 80 to 120. I don’t know if that has changed because a lot has changed. But, when I’m within that level, I’m fine.”

The biggest challenge for him when it comes to diabetes is “self-monitoring.” Ogie Alcasid's daughter adviced him to have of the CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) to monitor his sugar level. And that helped Gary to monitor his sugar level. Doing old methods like finger pricking and it was a relief to have continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

"Actually, I felt like a chemist because there is no such thing as finger pricking of blood. It was actually done with a test tube, a tablet, and urine. And I would have to gather a few drops into a dropper and drop it in and I would determine how high or low my sugar was, depending on how the tablet responded," said Gary.

“Traditional glucose monitoring uses finger pricking which can be quite painful for some patients. But now, glucose monitoring devices have been revolutionized and innovative technologies have come in, resulting in the development of CGMSs,” Dr. Michael Villa, immediate past president of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism shared. 

“Then, years went by. I started finger pricking. And, I did that for a long time. In fact, my skin in my fingertips would start getting thick. When I would actually need to use my fingers for the touchscreen later on, sometimes, it would not recognize that. So, I had to use another set of fingers in order to do that,” as Gary continued his story.

Gary V on living freely with FreeStyle Libre

“The technology started advancing and I’m so thankful for that. All the more, it spurred me on to carry the advocacy and helping Filipinos living with diabetes,” Gary said.

FreeStyle Libre comes along and helped him finally live freely with his diabetes journey.

The FreeStyle Libre system is a new revolutionary way of glucose monitoring. It replaces the conventional way of measuring glucose using finger pricks.

Through strict monitoring, proper diet, and a healthy lifestyle, he has been living a full and active life since. Gary said that the Freestyle Libre CGM by Abbott makes it easy for him to ensure that his blood sugar is at healthy levels during the day.

The Freestyle Libre uses a discreet sensor that is attached to the back of the arm. This is then paired to a portable device. The sensor is easy to apply and lasts for up to 14 days. It is also water resistant so it can be worn even while bathing, swimming, and exercising.

Meanwhile, the reader can scan through clothing. Once paired with the device, the Freestyle Libre reader provides up to 8 hours of glucose monitoring per day with a trend arrow and graphs showing glucose levels throughout the monitoring period. It can also hold up to 90 days of glucose data which can be shown to doctors during the scheduled checkups.

“Diabetes is a condition that requires an almost 24-hour maintenance system. I’m just thankful for Abbott’s Freestyle Libre for allowing me to face life with a smile. The device has really helped me and my family in addressing diabetes and living life to the fullest,” Gary shared.

To know more details about FreeStyle Libre and learn how to manage your diabetes easily, visit their website.

Fight diabetes through health and wellness

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Health and Wellness Fair to raise awareness on diabetes and show how to achieve a healthier lifestyle in order to fight the diabetes.

Gathered at the health and wellness fair held at SM Megamall’s event center last May 16,  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.

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.1 

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.

1. http://www.who.int/gho/countries/phl.pdf?ua=1

Check on your Health all in one place, The Diabetes Store Offers Unique Care to People with Diabetes

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Diabetes is a common group of chronic metabolic diseases that cause high blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body due to defects in insulin production and/or function. Diabetes is a disease in which your body cannot produce enough insulin, cannot use insulin, or a mix of both. In diabetes, sugar levels in the blood go up. This can cause complications if left uncontrolled.

Ramon Felix, the General Manager of The Diabetes Store

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a variety of serious complications. These include heart disease, stroke, and blindness.

Managing the disease requires keeping track of blood glucose levels. Treatment may include taking insulin or other medications. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise can also help manage diabetes.

Diabetes now affects about 8 million Filipinos making the country a diabetes hotspot. People afflicted with this disease can feel confused, depressed, and overwhelmed. But this need not be. The first and only concept of its kind.

The Diabetes Store (TDS) is a friendly one-stop-shop that believes in a collaborative approach in managing diabetes by working closely with the patient’s doctor and family members.

The DEs engage with the patients by personally guiding them in their progress listening to their experiences, recommending suitable products and services, and addressing lingering questions about their lifestyle.

The Diabetes Store is the first personal store for all needs concerning diabetes. As a specialized outlet, the store offers a wide array of products and services that will help people with diabetes check and manage their respective conditions. With its trained Diabetes Educators, the store likewise will provide counseling services, particularly on proper meal nutrition and diabetes complications. In doing so, the store works to build a collaborative community with doctors, people with diabetes, and those that care for them.

Registered Nutritionist Dietitian Alyssa Luminarias

In doing so, the store works to build a collaborative and friendly community with doctors, people with diabetes, and those that care for them. 

Meal planning at TDS.

All meal plans are designed by TDS registered Nutritionist Dietitian based on the daily caloric requirements and other health conditions of individual patients.

1-Week Meal Plan (1,000 Pesos)
2-Week Meal Plan (1,800 Pesos)
1-Month Meal Plan (3,000 Pesos)

These are products and accessories can be use by diabetic patients like: Bunionette Protector, Heel Protector, Comfortable Insoles, Socks, BioFresh Foot Creams, Diaderm and My Tags.

The Diabetes Store offers Free Patient Assessments and On-Site Diagnostic 

Free Membership.

When you purchase at least 3,000 Pesos worth of products or services in a single receipt you automatically get a lifetime FREE MEMBERSHIP to TDS.

As a member, you get the following:

5% discount on all products and services

One Free Diabetes Education Module

FREE Initial Glucose Testing

Welcome Gift

Exclusive Promo Offerings

Quarterly Phone Call Check Ups

Invitation to Cooking Demos

Diabetic Friendly Recipes

Access to Online Forum

Handouts of Diabetes Education Modules

Dr. Danilo Baldemor, Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (ISDFI) 

Dr. Danilo Baldemor of the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (ISDFI) said “In managing diabetes, we believe in holistic care which encompasses both medical and other interventions such as education, psychosocial support which increases compliance.” 

Diabetes is a manageable disease," Dr. Baldemor said. "one must remember their NEEDSSSS . . . 

NEEDSSS acronym for:

Nutrition
Exercise
Education
Drugs (Medicines)
Smoking Cessation
Stress Management
Self-Monitoring
Self-Care

According to Ramon Felix, the General Manager of TDS, “the store’s interior was designed to be a venue conducive for interaction. With a warm ambience, the store wants patients to feel welcomed to sample our products, be assessed on their diet, and chat with our DEs. And for patients who can’t visit the store in BF Homes Paranaque, they can access and shop online for our products at www.thediabetesstore.com.ph. We’ve made it convenient by accepting cash-on-delivery payments from Metro Manila and selected provinces.”

Aside from offering products and services, The Diabetes Store works to build a community of people with diabetes. Through this support group, it invites its members to share and learn from their personal experiences.

Media / Bloggers had their experience Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure check during the event held at the Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros.

Dr. Ma. Cecilia Cruz of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM) 

More than just conducting transactions, TDS engages with people – from the doctors to the patients and their families, to better manage their condition so that those with diabetes can live normal and fulfilling lives. Dr. Ma. Cecilia Cruz of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM) advises that, “we need to prevent the complications of diabetes such as blindness, amputation, and kidney failure which are all costly to treat and reduce one’s quality of life.”

The Diabetes Store is located at 198 J. Elizalde St., BF Homes, Paranaque City with telephone numbers 801-8553 and 806-9267. 

For more information, visit their website at www.thediabetesstore.com.ph and you can call Karen Alparce-Villanueva , 09178427094 , karen.villanueva@heallthprx.com.

The Ups and Downs of a Diabetic’s Life

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Managing type 2 diabetes can be a tall order for anyone — but help has arrived

With the various risks and complications associated with the condition, a type 2diabetes diagnosis imposes a heavy burden on patients and their families. Itmeans that many things about the patient’s way of lifewill have to change, and that the host of challenges brought on by the disease will have to be handled head on.

Patients will first have to deal with the various symptoms of type 2 diabetes such as increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing sores or frequent infections, and patches of darkened skin known as acanthosis nigricans.

Thehealth complications that may be caused by the disease are another source of worry. Among these are a number of life-threatening illnesses frequently associated with diabetes such as kidney disease and various cardiovascular diseases that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

“Between managing the condition each day, the sometimes overwhelming symptoms, and worrying about cardiovascular complications, patients with type 2 diabetes have a lot to deal with,”saysDr. Mary Anne Lim Abrahan, Professor at the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. “It’s important for patients to be as positive and as disciplined as possible.”

The big challenge

Many physicians recommendthat patients commit to a number of lifestyle-related changes to manage the disease. These include maintaining a healthy body weight; avoiding fatty, non-nutrient dense foods; replacing refined carbohydrates with fiber-rich wholegrain foods; and exercising at least 150 minutes each week.

These adjustments are meant to address certain treatment goals for patients with type 2 diabetes – achieving near-normal blood sugar levels; attaining healthy lipid levels in the heart; preventing complications such as heart and kidney disease; achieving healthy weight; and promoting overall good health.

And of course, there is the need to take any possible medication prescribed by doctors. 

TECOS – a source of comfort and reassurance 

There however has been some concern on the part of doctors about any additional risk that might be posed on the cardiovascular system of type 2 diabetics by anti-diabetes drugs. This is understandable, as the disease itself already increases a patient’s risk for cardiovascular events. For this reason, the United States Food and Drug Administration, in 2008, started requiring new anti-diabetic medications to conduct studies on cardiovascular safety.

The University of Oxford Diabetes Trials Unit and the Duke University Clinical Research Institute recently released the results from one of such studies. Known as TECOS (Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin) to its proponents, it assessed the long-term cardiovascular safety of Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. 

DPP-4 inhibitors work by prolonging the activity of the hormones called incretins, which are released in the gut in response to a meal. These incretin hormones help control blood sugar by signaling the pancreas to release appropriate amounts of insulin that are needed by the patient. At the same time, incretins also direct the liver to regulate sugar production. These actions help patients control blood glucose with a lower risk for hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar level), which itself could be harmful.

For TECOS, 14,671 type 2 diabetic patients with documented cardiovascular disease from 38 countries were given either Sitagliptin or a placebo on top of their usual anti-diabetic medications. After an observation period of about 3 years, results showed that sitagliptin did not increase the combined occurrence of cardiovascular events (death, heart attack, stroke, hospitalization due to angina) versus the placebo. Moreover, rates of hospitalization due to heart failure, an increasing concern among diabetic patients, did not increase compared to the placebo group.

“The results of TECOS reassures us that Sitagliptin can be safely used by patients with type 2 diabetes to lower blood glucose,”says Dr. Leni Iboleon, chair of the Philippine Heart Association Council on Women’s Cardiovascular Health. “Because these patients already face great risk for cardiovascular complications, a good understanding of the safety of these medicines is very important.”

“These findings are a great boon for patients with type 2 diabetes,” adds Dr. Abrahan. “To rest easy with the knowledge that their medicines are effective and safe makes the disease much more manageable. This is a very important thing, as it directly affects the quality of life of patients.”

Health : A holistic approach to diabetes treatment can save your future

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Be active, eat right and stay healthy! Eating right is important to staying at a healthy weight and keeping an energy balance the balance between the calories in what you eat and drink, and calories you burn when moving.

Physical activity, along with a healthy diet, helps prevent diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, and other serious medical conditions.

Living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be tough, requiring consistency, discipline, and a clear plan for achieving the treatment goals that doctors advise patients to pursue. And while standard medication can help get your blood sugar down, this only works if accompanied with lifestyle shifts such as healthy nutrition and physical activity.

Dr. Bobby Mirasol

“It was never an easy disease to begin with, early intervention comes alongside a deeper understanding of the need for comprehensive solutions for T2DM patients, comprising lifestyle adjustments as well as pharmacological treatment,” says Dr. Bobby Mirasol, Former President of Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM) & ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies (AFES).

Recent developments in the treatment of diabetes do however point toward a revolutionary new drug that reduces blood sugar while supporting weight loss and blood pressure reduction. It sounds simple enough on paper, but for the people who have to live through the struggle, the burden just got a whole lot lighter.

A shot at a sweeter life

Dapagliflozin is a novel treatment for type 2 diabetes that prevents the kidneys from absorbing sugar and releases excess glucose through the urine instead. Because of this mechanism, doctors may prescribe it on its own, or as a complementary drug that acts independently of insulin therapy.

In clinical trials, dapagliflozin performed at par with or slightly better than leading diabetes medications. According to the International Journal of Clinical Practice, the results strongly indicate a significant reduction of blood sugar throughout the spectrum of type 2 diabetes.

Available in the Philippines since 2014, dapagliflozin has been used to effectively treat more than 20,000 Filipinos with type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Rima Tan, President of Diabetes Philippines, believes that the drug’s far-reaching therapeutic value can give patients a fair shot at a better life.

Dr. Rima Tan

“Dapagliflozin has been lauded for a reducing blood sugar levels of patients with additional health benefits,” she says. “Patients routinely show weight loss and lower overall blood pressure, which is a great for patients struggling with the lifestyle adjustments necessary for managing type 2 diabetes.”

Patients are expected to maintain these benefits over time, and this allows patients to gradually ease into appropriate lifestyle changes. This generally promises a smoother therapeutic experience that’s both effective and ultimately empowering.

The low-down on diabesity

Interest in dapagliflozin has also been fuelled by the looming threat of diabesity, a comorbidity that is particularly common among Filipinos, and that amplifies the risk of developing complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. 

Diabesity is a two-fold struggle that not only deals with type 2 diabetes, but also has a deep-seated relationship with obesity. The two are so closely intertwined that up to 85% of grossly overweight individuals end up developing type 2 diabetes in their lifetime, which in turn increases the chance of aggravating obesity depending on the type of medication taken.

Doctors however are hopeful that with the dapagliflozin, presently the only available SGLT2 treatment in the market in the Philippines, diabesity can be successfully addressed.

“It’s an uphill battle at first, but with the right support and dedication, diabesity is something we can all beat together,” says Dr.Mirasol. “While it’s amazing that we have a drug that finally addresses these particular facets of the diabetic experience, we should never forget the value of good old-fashioned support.”

A little help from our friends

Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca is among the biggest supporters of the fight against type 2 diabetes, going all out with the development of holistic diabetic care solutions covering practical health support from doctors, nutritionists, and physical fitness experts along with dapagliflozin treatment.

They have also lobbied for healthier lifestyle changes in patients with T2DM with activities like The Road to a Sweet Life that seek to couple drug treatment with the adoption of positive health habits like proper dieting, and adequate physical activity.

With these available innovative intervention and the multi-stakeholder approach, people with diabetes can now have better quality of life than ever before. 

“If you are living with diabetes, it’s important to make choices that keep you and your loved ones healthy,” says Dr. Emmanuel Arca, Associate Medical and Regulatory Affairs Director of AstraZeneca Philippines. “It will take concrete changes in lifestyle to bring great success in managing diabetes.”

For more information, visit www.astrazeneca.com