12 Ginger Benefits

1. Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea.
2. Ginger is a means to fight fungal infections.
3. Ginger is a natural pain reliever for stomach ulcers.
4. Ginger is a natural menstrual pain reliever similar to mefenamic acid and ibuprofen medicines.
5. Ginger is a powerful anti-cancer solution that may be able to block cancer cell growth including prostate cancer, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer.
6. Ginger is a natural blood sugar regulator.
7. Ginger is a very powerful joint and muscle pain reliever.
8. Ginger is a reducer of bad LDL cholesterol and helps in raising beneficial HDL cholesterol to our body.
9. Ginger is a brain aging protector.
10. Ginger is a bacterial infection fighter
11. Ginger is a healthy immune and chronic inflammation fighter including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
12. Ginger is a promoter of proper digestion with the ability to prevent dyspepsia with symptoms such as heartburn and discomfort.

References:

https://draxe.com/10-medicinal-ginger-health-benefits/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LN2QDaQr38 

12 Foods Against Diabetes

This post is in observance of the 2016 World Health Day which is celebrated annually. Today, 7 April 2016, the theme is about diabetes. This post is a short list of foods that can be good against diabetes. For reference, please see list of sources.

1. Apples
2. Cinnamon
3. Citrus Fruit
4. Cold-Water Fish
5. Fiber-Rich Foods
6. Legumes e.g. Chickpeas, Cannelloni, Beans, Kidney Beans and Lentils
7. Green Tea
8. Nuts
9. Spinach, Kale and Collared Greens
10. Dark Chocolate
11. Beef Steak
12. Vinegar

References:

http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2016/en/

http://metro.co.uk/2016/04/07/world-health-day-2016-history-facts-and-why-diabetes-is-this-years-theme-5799612/

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=53629#.Vwb9yKARXqB
http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/12-diabetes-powerfoods

http://healthguides.healthgrades.com/getting-diabetes-under-control/12-signs-of-uncontrolled-diabetes
http://www.paho.org/world-health-day/

November is Peanut Butter Lovers Month

1. Southern Peanut Growers, representing southeastern peanut farmers, started the celebration as Peanut Butter Lovers Day on November 4, 1990. November 4 marks the anniversary of the first patent for peanut butter, applied for by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg on November 4, 1895.
2. Eating peanuts and peanut butter helps control hunger without leading to weight gain.
3. Studies found peanuts lowered the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. 
4. Eating peanuts and peanut butter may reduce colon cancer in women.
5. A study found that those getting the most niacin from foods were 70 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Peanuts are one of the foods highest in niacin.
6. In two studies, individuals eating five or more servings of nuts per week had a 25 percent to 30 percent lower risk of getting gallstones compared to those who rarely or never ate nuts. 
7. Although peanuts are technically classified as a legume, they were considered nuts for these experiments, so peanuts are actually the most commonly consumed ‘nut’ in the world.
8. All of the fat in peanut butter is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. A study found that insulin-resistant adults who ate a diet high in mono-saturated fat had less belly fat than people who ate more carbohydrates or saturated fat.
9. Eating peanuts can reduce the risk of diabetes according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
10. Peanut butter has protein as well as potassium — which lowers the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. It also contains fiber for your bowel health, healthy fats, magnesium to fortify your bones and muscles, Vitamin E and antioxidants.
11. Peanuts are susceptible to molds and fungus — some of which are highly toxic. A fungus called Aspergillus flavus produces a carcinogen that is twenty times more toxic than DDT, called aflatoxin. 
12. Feed your dogs peanut butter. The vitamins E and H (Biotin) in peanut butter can help to improve your dog's coat, dog skin, and nail strength. However, it is better to make your own and avoid feeding your dog high salt levels in commercial brands. Also, don't feed it to overweight dogs, as it is calorie-laden. Use little dollops of peanut butter to help your dogs swallow their pills. Warning: Some dogs may be allergic to peanut butter. Make sure your dog won't have allergic reactions before feeding him or her the peanut butter. Some people are amused by the mess dogs make when fed peanut butter because they can't get it off their mouths easily. This can be upsetting for the dog, so only feed it small amounts at a time.

Sources:

http://nationalpeanutboard.org/the-facts/fun-facts/

http://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Peanut-Butter-Lovers-Month

http://peanutbutterlovers.com/uncategorized/november-peanut-butter-lovers-month/

http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-peanut-butter-lovers-day

http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/11/november-is-peanut-butter-lovers-month.html

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-health-benefits-of-peanut-butter.html

http://www.peanut-institute.org/health-and-nutrition/default.asp

http://nationalpeanutboard.org/the-facts/fun-facts/

12 Best Foods For Diabetes

1. Spinach
2. Nuts
3. Sardines
4. Hummus
5. Chia Seeds
6. Citrus Fruits
7. Lentils
8. Quinoa
9. Whole-Grain Pasta
10. Sweet Potatoes
11. Tomatoes
12. Berries

To end this week of posts regarding Diabetes Awareness Week, here is a parody of the song "Let It Go" that tells exactly what diabetics go through when they are 'hypo'.

       Let It Go! A Diabetes Parody Song ("I Feel Low")

References:

DOH Annual Calendar July 2014 4th week - National Diabetes Awareness Week
DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK
Diabetes Week
National Diabetes Week 2014
Diabetes mellitus
10 Best Foods for Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Diabetes Superfoods
Top 25 Power Foods for Diabetes
Let It Go! A Diabetes Parody Song ("I Feel Low")

12 Recommended Diabetic Diet Menu

Recommended diabetic diet menu for Filipinos (but others can still try) ...
 

1-week_diet_cycle_menus.pdf

1. A diabetes meal plan is a guide that tells you how much and what kinds of food you can choose to eat at meals and snack times.
2. A good meal plan should fit in with your schedule and eating habits.
3. Everyone needs to eat a certain numbers of calories to survive. Eat more than you need and you gain weight; eat less (or burn more) than you need and you lose weight. Calorie needs depend on gender, age, height, activity level, current weight, and the number of calories your body burns at rest.
4. People with diabetes have to take extra care to make sure that their food is balanced with insulin and oral medications (if they take them), and exercise to help manage their blood glucose levels.
5. Your doctor and/or dietitian can help you create a meal plan that is best for you.
6. There is no one perfect food so including a variety of different foods and watching portion sizes is key to a healthy diet. Pick foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber over those that are processed.
7. People with diabetes can eat the same foods the family enjoys. Everyone benefits from healthy eating so the whole family can take part in healthy eating. It takes some planning but you can fit your favorite foods into your meal plan and still manage your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.
8. Remember to eat about every 3 hours and practice portion control. 
9. A good diabetes meal plan includes:
   
   • Understanding how different foods and the amounts you eat affect your blood sugar (glucose)
   • Choosing healthy foods
   • Eating your meals at the times appropriate for your diabetes treatment
10. When planning your meals, keep the following in mind:
    
    • Keep it colorful by including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. When selecting vegetables, it is best to choose from nonstarchy ones such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, or green beans
    • Keep it whole-grain by choosing whole-grain foods instead of processed grain products. Start including brown rice instead of white rice, and serve whole-wheat spaghetti with pasta sauce
    • Swap out the soda by choosing water and calorie-free diet drinks instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea, and other sugar-sweetened drinks
    • Switch to nonfat dairy products by replacing full-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese with nonfat dairy like skim milk, nonfat yogurt, and nonfat cheese
    • Use liquid oils only when cooking instead of solid fats. Any fat that is solid at room temperature is higher in saturated and trans fats than liquid alternatives. Remember: fats are high in calories, so be mindful when cooking
    • Trim the fat by choosing leaner cuts of meat and try to remove visible fat. Remove skin from poultry. If you roast food, use a rack to let the fat drip off. If you make soup, prepare it a day in advance and place in the refrigerator overnight so the solid fat on top can be removed before serving. Avoid meats that are high in fat, like bacon. Reserve ribs and pork-containing meals for special occasions
    • Cut back on dessert such as high-calorie snack foods and desserts which includes cookies, cakes, and full-fat ice cream which are loaded with calories and fat.
    • Watch your portions. Portion control is a very important part of a healthy meal plan. Eating too much food, even if it is healthy, can lead to weight gain. One great way to learn about portions is to measure how much you serve with measuring cups. You may be surprised how much rice, pasta, meat, or desserts you put on your plate
11. This recommended diabetic diet menu is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace personalized advice given to you by your doctor.
12. To find out about the amount of carbohydrate that’s right for you, ask your doctor for a referral to a Registered Dietitian.

Screenshot of Diabetic Diet Menu from http://www.coa.gov.ph/gad/articles/1-week_diet_cycle_menus.pdf

 Click link below for the complete menu:

1-week_diet_cycle_menus.pdf

References:

DIABETIC DIET ONE WEEK CYCLE MENU
Diabetes Meal Plans and a Healthy Diet
Outsmart Diabetes 5-Week Meal Plan
Diabetes Menu Plan for prevention and management
Diabetes meal plan recipes
Basics of a Diabetes Meal Plan
Basic diabetic menu for one week
7-Day Diabetes Meal Plan
Diabetes Meal Planning
Seven-Day Type 2 Diabetes Meal Plan

12 Recommended Herbs For Diabetes

12 Medicinal Plants or Herbal Plants for Diabetes

1.   
   
   Akapulko (Cassia alata) a medicinal plant called "ringworm bush or schrub" and "acapulco" in English, this Philippine herbal medicine is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.
2.   
   
   Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Common names include "bitter melon " or "bitter gourd " in English. This Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemofrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties. It is available commercially in tablet form (Amargozin by Altermed/Pascual Laboratories), in capsule formulation, (Charagen Ampalaya), and as teas.
3.   
   
   Bawang (Allium sativum) Common name in english is "Garlic". Bawang is a used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat infection with antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive properties. It is widely used to reduce cholesterol level in blood.
4.   
   
   Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "Guava" in English. A Philippine herbal medicine used as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine.
5.   
   
   Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known as "5-leaved chaste tree" in english is used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat cough, colds and fever. It is also used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea.
6.   
   
   Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". This Philippine herbal medicine is used to eliminate intestinal parasites.
7.   
   
   Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: "Ngai camphor or Blumea camphor" is a Philippine herbal medicine used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti-diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension
8.   
   
   Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - English :"Wild tea" is a Philippine herbal medicine taken as tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies and itchiness wounds in child birth
9.   
   
   Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) is a Phillipine herbal medicine known for its effectivity in treating arthritis and gout.
10.   
    
    Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, is used in Philippine herbal medicine as analgesic to relive body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also used to treat coughs, colds and insect bites
11.   
    
    Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) - Banaba is being studied for its application in the treatment of diabetes. Its ability to lower blood sugar is attributed to its corrosolic acid content. The plant is commercially available as tablets, extracts, capsules, powders and teas.
12.   
    
    Mabolo (Diospyros blancoi) - A member of the Ebenaceae family, it is also known as the Philippine persimmon, velvet apple or butter fruit (in Singapore). This fruit grows from the Kamagong tree which is native to the Philippines. Indigenous to forestlands in low or medium altitudes in the country, the Kamagong tree is mainly used for furniture and specialty wood products. While the tree is known around the world for its wood, its fruit, mabolo, deserves a bit more attention

References:

DOH Annual Calendar July 2014 4th week - National Diabetes Awareness Week
DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK
Diabetes Week
National Diabetes Week 2014
Philippine Traditional and Alternative Medicine
What is lagundi
The 10 Best Philippine Medicinal Plants
Herbal medications to prevent diabetes?
Kamote
Philippines Medicinal Herbal Plants and its Uses
Examples of Herbal Plants here in the Philippines
Mabolo Fruit for Diabetics
Discovering mabolo
Philippine Herbal Medicine

12 Filipino Personalities With Diabetes

1. Gary Valenciano or Gary V, a famous musician whose dance and musical artistry and performance is likened with Michael Jackson
2. Mike Enriquez, the famous news and television anchor and host and radio newscaster from GMA
3. Arnold Clavio, reports the early-morning news on the TV show Unang Hirit, and hosts Sanib Puwersa (with Mel Tiangco) and Tonight with Arnold Clavio on the GMA News Channel
4. Jaya, a famous R&B Filipino singer known as “Soul Diva” and “The Asia’s Queen of Soul”
5. Alma Moreno, a dramatic actress in 70’s and 80’s who became a politician
6. Marissa Sanchez, a singer actress and comedian
7. Sammy Lagmay, a comedian
8. April Boy Regino, the juke box king who is also hypertensive at the same time
9. Dr. Juan Flavier, former Philippine senator and former secretary of the Department of Health
10. Renato Corona, the recently impeached chief Justice who was even controversial when he walked out of the court for discomforts with his sickness
11. Mona Louise Rey, child actress of GMA’s “Aso ni San Roque” and has been injecting her own insulin at a very young age
12. Nadine Samonte, a famous young actress who is a product of GMA’s Star Struck Artista search project

References:

Filipino Celebrities with Diabetes
Celebrities with diabetes
8 Celebrities with Diabetes Who Inspire Us
Wear blue, dance, or hula-hoop on World Diabetes Day
Diabetes and the Filipino diet
Famous People With Diabetes: Gary Valenciano
12 Celebrities With Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Affects Famous Folks, Too
Buddy Talk with Mike Enriquez & Arnold Clavio
Arnold Clavio wants to increase awareness on Type 1 Diabetes

12 Facts About Diabetes

1. Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), often referred to as diabetes, is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin and/or effectively utilize the insulin.
2. Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism (the body's way of digesting food and converting it into energy).
3. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that accounts for five- to 10-percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
4. Type 2 diabetes may account for 90- to 95-percent of all diagnosed cases.
5. The third type of diabetes occurs in pregnancy and is referred to as gestational diabetes.  Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health issues for pregnant women and their babies.
6. Less common types of diabetes are caused by genetic conditions, medications, pancreatic disorders, infections, and other diseases.
7. The classic symptoms of untreated diabetes are weight loss, polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyphagia (increased hunger).Symptoms may develop rapidly (weeks or months) in type 1 diabetes, while they usually develop much more slowly and may be subtle or absent in type 2 diabetes.
8. Diabetes was one of the first diseases described, with an Egyptian manuscript from c. 1500 BCE mentioning "too great emptying of the urine". The first described cases are believed to be of type 1 diabetes. Indian physicians around the same time identified the disease and classified it as madhumeha or "honey urine", noting the urine would attract ants.
9. The term "diabetes" or "to pass through" was first used in 230 BCE by the Greek Appollonius of Memphis. The disease was considered rare during the time of the Roman empire, with Galen commenting he had only seen two cases during his career. This is possibly due the diet and life-style of the ancient people, or because the clinical symptoms were observed during the advanced stage of the disease. Galen named the disease "diarrhea of the urine" (diarrhea urinosa). The earliest surviving work with a detailed reference to diabetes is that of Aretaeus of Cappadocia (2nd or early 3rd century CE). He described the symptoms and the course of the disease, which he attributed to the moisture and coldness, reflecting the beliefs of the "Pneumatic School". He hypothesized a correlation of diabetes with other diseases and he discussed differential diagnosis from the snakebite which also provokes excessive thirst. His work remained unknown in the West until the middle of the 16th century when, in 1552, the first Latin edition was published in Venice.
10. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes were identified as separate conditions for the first time by the Indian physicians Sushruta and Charaka in 400-500 CE with type 1 associated with youth and type 2 with being overweight. The term "mellitus" or "from honey" was added by the Briton John Rolle in the late 1700s to separate the condition from diabetes insipidus, which is also associated with frequent urination. Effective treatment was not developed until the early part of the 20th century, when Canadians Frederick Banting and Charles Herbert Best isolated and purified insulin in 1921 and 1922. This was followed by the development of the long-acting insulin NPH in the 1940s.
11. The word diabetes (/ˌdaɪ.əˈbiːtiːz/ or /ˌdaɪ.əˈbiːtɨs/) comes from Latin diabētēs, which in turn comes from Ancient Greek διαβήτης (diabētēs) which literally means "a passer through; a siphon."[69] Ancient Greek physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia (fl. 1st century CE) used that word, with the intended meaning "excessive discharge of urine", as the name for the disease.[70][71][72] Ultimately, the word comes from Greek διαβαίνειν (diabainein), meaning "to pass through,"[69] which is composed of δια- (dia-), meaning "through" and βαίνειν (bainein), meaning "to go".[70] The word "diabetes" is first recorded in English, in the form diabete, in a medical text written around 1425.
12. The word mellitus (/mɨˈlaɪtəs/ or /ˈmɛlɨtəs/) comes from the classical Latin word mellītus, meaning "mellite"[73] (i.e. sweetened with honey;[73] honey-sweet[74]). The Latin word comes from mell-, which comes from mel, meaning "honey";[73][74] sweetness;[74] pleasant thing,[74] and the suffix -ītus,[73] whose meaning is the same as that of the English suffix "-ite".[75] It was Thomas Willis who in 1675 added "mellitus" to the word "diabetes" as a designation for the disease, when he noticed the urine of a diabetic had a sweet taste (glycosuria).[71] This sweet taste had been noticed in urine by the ancient Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, Indians, and Persians.

References:

DOH Annual Calendar July 2014 4th week - National Diabetes Awareness Week
DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK
Diabetes Week
National Diabetes Week 2014
Diabetes mellitus
10 Best Foods for Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Diabetes Superfoods
Top 25 Power Foods for Diabetes

12 Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetes

1. Frequent urination or disproportionate increase of urination
2. Excessive thirst or disproportionate increase of thirst
3. Increased hunger or excessive hunger
4. Sudden weight loss or losing weight without trying
5. Tiredness, weakness, fatigue
6. Lack of interest and concentration
7. A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet which is called  neuropathy
8. Blurred vision
9. Frequent infections or more skin and/or yeast infections
10. Slow-healing wounds and sores
11. Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu)
12. Dry and itchy skin

References:

DOH Annual Calendar July 2014 4th week - National Diabetes Awareness Week
DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK
Diabetes Week
National Diabetes Week 2014
Top 10 Symptoms of Diabetes
Top Warning Signs of Diabetes
Diabetes symptoms: When diabetes symptoms are a concern
Signs and symptoms of diabetes

12 Things About Philippine Diabetes Assocation

12 Historical Facts of the Philippine Diabetes Assocation

1. September 27, 1958 - The memorable event was prompted by the visit to the Philippines of a distinguished pioneer in the diabetes mellitus from Joslin Clinic of Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Howard Root. On this date, the charter members and a few other internists met at the historical Club Filipino.
2. The first set of officers were elected as follows: Dr. Wenceslao Vitug, President; Dr. Paolo Campos, Vice-President; Dr. Carmen Salgo-Ora, Secretary; Dr. Aniceta Barcelon Guevara, Treasurer; and Dr. Antonio Ordonez, PRO. Elected to the Board of Directors were: Dr. Mariano Alimurung, Dr. Agustin Liboro, Dr. Conrado Pascual, Dr. Jesus Nolasco and Dr. Alfredo Navato. Their terms of office extended up to 1960.
3. On February 22, 1962, the Association was incorporated under the term of Dr. Basilio Valdes, who maintains the distinction of being the only physician to have served as Army Chief of Staff. The complete list of the PDA Presidents is a display of distinguished names in the Philippine Medicine:Dr. Wenceslao Vitug (1958-1960); Dr. Basilio Valdes (1961-1965); Dr. Agustin Liboro (1966-1968); Dr. Paolo Campos (1969-1970); Dr. Carmen Salgo-Ora (1970-1971); Dr. Gonzalo Austria (1971-1972); Dr. Sergio Rustia (1973-1974); Dr. Aurora V. Cinco (1975-1976); Dr. Germinio J. Germar (1976-1977); Dr. Lim Uy-Ching (1977-1978); Dr. Nestor M. Santiago (1978-1979); Dr. Virgilio L. Gonzales (1979-1980); Dr. Leland S. Villadolid (1980-1981); Dr. Flora Pascasio (1981-1982); Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua (1983-1994); Dr. Mary Anne Lim-Abrahan (1995-1996); Dr. Lina C. Lantion-Ang (1996-2000); Dr.Ruby T. Go (2001-2002); Dr. Rosa Allyn G. Sy (2003-2004);Dr. Ma. Teresa Plata-Que (2005-2006).
4. PDA became a staunch advocate of education as a right of the diabetic patient and as a fundamental component in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in addition on nutrition, exercise and hypoglycemic medication. In line with this, educational clinics were established nationwide alongside the PDA Chapters which started to be organized in 1987. The provincial chapter was tasked with the setting up of local educational clinic that would serve the community making the Philippines a frontrunner in the Asean region in this aspect. Training of the trainors was accomplished through a 2-day course carried out by Dr. Litonjua himself with the assistance of diabetes educators of the Makati Medical Center Diabetes Educational Clinic and various Endocrine Fellows of the Makati Medical Center and UP-PGH Medical Center. The first PDA chapter was established in Davao City, 1987. Other PDA Chapters followed bringing the number to a total of thirty one. At present, the existing PDA chapters are as follows:
   
   Albay, Baguio-Benguet, Batangas, Bulacan, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan Valley, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Capiz & Roxas, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Iloilo, La Union, laguna, Leyte, Masbate, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quezon City, Rizal, Sorsogon, Zamboanga - Zamboanga del Norte.
   
   In 1987, PDA and Philippine Society of Endocrinology co-hosted the 4th Congress of the Asean Federation of Endocrine Societies held at the Manila Garden Hotel (now Dusit Hotel) from December 5-10.
5. PDA underwent several milestone during the period 1983-1994. The PDA Lay Organization was set-up. The Association won recognition as member of the prestigious Internal Diabetes Federation (IDF) as well as IDF Western Pacific Region. It came out with the semi-annual publication of DiabetesWatch with 15,000 to 20,000 copies per issue given free to physicians and patients. The diabetes magazine features new as well as scientific articles on diabetes mellitus for the layman. To date, The DiabetesWatch has a wider circulation, with copies now being sent to Metro Manila's Medical School Libraries (UP-PGH, UST, FEU, MCU, UERMMMC)
6. PDA Workshops were conducted in various places of the country beginning in 1990. The workshops were concieved to provide an intensive 3-day course to physician members of the PDA chapter which coordinated the respective workshop. The medical members of the PDA board of directors served as faculty members. The different aspects of diabetes mellitus were tackled in each workshop with the intention to upgrade the participants' expertise in the management of diabetes mellitus.
7. In June 1991, the PDA Board decided to change the PDA seal to dramatize present concern for the family, not only the diabetic patient. The original seal contained the staff of Aesculapius, the cup and the beehive in the background. After a nationwide PDA Logo contest, the present seal portraying the family being cupped by two hands was recognized in December 1991. The motif was based on the winning entry of Dr. Gregorio del Moral of UST.
8. Whereas before, the PDA had no permanent headquarters, it now beams with pride to have a permanent home located at Unit 25, Facilities Centre, 548 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City with Telephone and Fax No. (632) 531-12-78; E-mail address: phildiab@pworld.net.ph . The offices were inagurated on June 15, 1992 with the attendance of past PDA presidents, and the heads of its pharmaceutical corporate members.
9. The intensification of the education drive included regional training courses for diabetes educator nurses and dieticians, the holding of a midyear PDA Convention with the first one held on July 10, 1992 aside from the annual convention and the active participation of PDA during the Diabetes Awareness Week which is celebrated on the last week of July each year. President Fidel V. Ramos Proclamation No. 213 on July 22, 1993, designating the last of week of July of each as Diabetes Awareness Week. 
10. In 1995, the PDA co-hosted with PSEm the 8th AFES Congress at the PICC in Manila, Philippines. A total of 1,002 delegates, attended the Congress (So far unsurpassed as of this meeting) and they remembered the Banquet Night where Mrs. Lydia Buendia, A professor of UP lead the delegates to the rhythm of Macarena as a form of healthy exercise at the Nayong Pilipino fair grounds.
11. In 1998, the PDA joined forces with the PSH & PLS in putting up seed money to conduct Hypertension, Diabetes and Lipid Survey in the Philippines in cooperation with FNRI-DOH to update data on the 3 disease for 1999. Other Researches completed for 1998 were the Diabetes Data Collection Program (DCDCP) and Diabcare Asia Study.
12. In 1999, An Advanced Module on Diabetic Foot was conducted by Dr. Teresa Plata-Que on April 11, 1999. A mini lecture on Medical Nutrition and Exercise was conducted by PDA as per invitation of the Medical Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on March 10, 1999. A total of 88 personnel listened to lectures given by Dr. Rosa Allyn Sy, Imelda Cardino, moderated by Dr. Lina Lantion-Ang, President. In 1999, Para-Medical Personnel (Nurses & Dieticians) have been allowed to attend the 1st day of the PDA Workshop.

References:

DOH Annual Calendar July 2014 4th week - National Diabetes Awareness Week
DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK
Diabetes Week
National Diabetes Week 2014
History of the Philippine Diabetes Association
Diabetes Philippines

12 Things About Diabetes Awareness Week

DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK

1. Philippine Diabetes Awareness Week was signed as Proclamation 213 by former president Fidel V. Ramos in 1993.
2. Diabetes Awareness Week is held every 4th week of July.
3. First (1st) objective is to promote awareness of diabetes through early detection and through educational programs.
4. Second (2nd) objective is to prevent the onset and progression of complication through promotion of healthy lifestyle and mass screening program.
5. The Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation, Inc, has spearheaded the campaign to increase public awareness of Diabetes and its many complications.
6. Based on studies, frequent consumption of brown rice may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease and stroke. Cancer and diabetes may also be diminished by eating brown rice.
7. Diabetes, a disease associated with high sugar levels in the body, is usually diagnosed among obese people, those with improper diet and sedentary lifestyle.
8. Individuals with family history of diabetes mellitus (DM), heart diseases, hypertension and high levels of uric acid and lipids are in the high-risk groups. 
9. People in highly stressed conditions are also included in risk groups.
10. Prevention and control of diabetes includes reduction of intake of sweets, fatty and salty foods; having a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen; maintenance of normal body weight; limited intake of alcohol, and quitting smoking (if a smoker); occasional relaxation; and avoidance of stressful situations.
11. Diabetes, however, is not readily diagnosed and is determined by a thorough blood examination. No cure is known and therapy would be necessary for the rest of the patient's life.
12. Although, the Philippines has its own Diabetes Awareness Week celebration; in keeping with the IDF, The Diabetes Philippines celebrates World Diabetes Day each year.  It is celebrated simultaneously in nationwide events through Diabetes Philippines Chapters.

References:

DOH Annual Calendar July 2014 4th week - National Diabetes Awareness Week
DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK
Diabetes Week
National Diabetes Week 2014
Diabetes Awareness Week highlights brown rice
Philippine Diabetes Awareness Week
Today in Philippine History, July 22, 1993, the last week of July of each year was designated as Diabetes Awareness Week 
Diabetes Philippines
Proclamation No. 213, s. 1993
Official Calendar
Natl Diabetes Awareness Week
Every 4th Week of July is National Diabetes Awareness Week! PROCLAMATION NO. 213