J&J Lifescan Diabetes Awareness Forum

Diabetes is now among the major public health concerns being addressed by the health industry.  Those diagnosed with diabetes have doubled in number in the last few decades and are expected to grow exponentially if left unchecked.  Most of those suffering from diabetes are afflicted with Type II Diabetes Mellitus which is caused by insulin resistance, more often due to fat that blocks insulin and glucose from entering cells, and can be managed quite well with exercise and healthy diet.

In their quest to increase diabetes awareness in the Philippines by conducting free blood glucose screenings and forums, Lifescae Inc invited bloggers and diabetic patients to a Diabetes Awareness Dinner Forum at Max’s Restaurant in Gateway Mall on May 26, 2012.

Before the program started, our blood sugar levels were taken by Jay-R, a specialist from J&J, using  a One Touch blood glucose meter. The process was fairly simple and the results were shown in just a few seconds. I was aghast though when my sugar level registered at 140 when the others who did not have diabetes like me just ranged from 80-100! My sister and I had the same meal during snack time and her blood sugar level was only 104.

I was so worried about my sugar level that I couldn’t eat well.  I have got the sweetest tooth ever and can’t imagine having to live life without chocolates and anything else that’s sweet.  By happenstance, we were seated right across Mr. Alex and Aida Villareal who knew firsthand how to deal with diabetes.  Mr. Alex Villareal was actually one of the guest speakers that night.

When Mr. Alex Villareal was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes 14 years ago, he said that he felt “deeply devastated, shaken, and felt that heaven and earth suddenly closed on me (him)”. He sought the advice of several doctors trying to figure out the best way to deal with this chronic disease.  Soon enough, he realized that, although a lifelong burden, diabetes was manageable and need not dampen his love for life.

Now 66 years old and with three grown up kids, he is enjoying life and making the most out of it inspite of diabetes.  He shared five ways on how he is able to cope with diabetes and live a great life:

1. Religious Compliance to Medicine.
2. Consistent Monitoring of Blood Sugar
3. Regular Health Check-up
4. Exercise
5. Educating Oneself About the Disease

During dinner, Sir Alex and his wife shared plenty of advice to my sisters and I that my fear of having diabetes was calmed.  After hearing a diabetic patient’s testimony on how he is coping with the disease, we learned more about the disease itself through Dr. John Flores, the ASEAN Medical Affairs Director of Johnson & Johnson.  Read more about our crash course on diabetes in my previous post.  Among the many things that these two speakers shared,  proper blood glucose monitoring using the right meter was given much emphasis.

Now more knowledgeable about Diabetes, I am less worried about my high sugar level and probable pre-diabetes condition.  We have plenty of relatives who have Type II Diabetes so it’ll not be improbable for me to acquire it (still crossing my fingers though that I don’t!).  Let this be a wake-up call for me to follow proper diet and to live a more active and healthier lifestyle. But in case I do have Type II Diabetes, atleast I know exactly how to deal with it.

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LifeScan Inc is a company under Johnson & Johnson Philippines that sells OneTouch blood glucose meters.  For inquiries, concerns, warranty, rewards, privileges & diabetes counselling:

Call: 1-800-1-888-7954 (toll free line), 824-8736 (Manila line), 0917-8782218 (mobile line for Visayas & Mindanao)

Text: JNJ<space>your inquiry and send to 2327(Globe) or 0917-8902327(other networks)

Email: [email protected]

Visit: http://www.lifescanphilippines.com