In celebration of World Diabetes Day, the Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (PSEM) recently spearheaded a cycling fun ride dubbed as “Go Bike Pilipinas!” in three key cities — Metro Manila, Bacolod and Cagayan de Oro.
This activity aimed to raise the level of public awareness on diabetes mellitus and to promote exercise as a means of preventing the disease. It is projected that about four million Filipinos have diabetes.
“In the next 20 years, the Philippines is estimated to be among the top 10 countries with the highest incidence of diabetes,” said Dr. Josephine Raboca, president of PSEM, in a recent press conference hosted by Sanofi-Aventis Philippines.
“Type 2 diabetes has been seen recently in young people,” added Dr. Rosa Allyn Sy, immediate past president of PSEM. “This is probably in part caused by increasing trend toward obesity in our society.”
Sy advised parents to encourage their children to engage in more physical activities like biking and to stay away from unhealthy diet.
Because of the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, the United Nations marks Nov. 14 as World Diabetes Day to highlight the magnitude of the diabetes problem.
The UN General Assembly passed a resolution in December 2006 clamoring for a more consolidated movement to address the increasing prevalence of the disease.
This resolution is being supported by the International Diabetes Federation which represents 200 diabetes associations in more than 150 countries.
As the lead society in disorders of metabolism in the country, the PSEM is committed to increasing awareness on diabetes and promoting prevention programs to stop diabetes and related disorders such as hypertension and obesity. Studies show that the best prevention for diabetes is through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Aside from the PSEM, Go Bike Pilipinas! was supported by the United Cyclists Association of the Philippines, various independent cycling groups, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Accel Sports, Sanofi-Aventis and other pharmaceutical companies.