Nutritionists, dietitians train to fight diabetes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has started training nutritionists and dietitians in fighting diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“The Nutrition Care Process (NCP) training is a systematic and effective way in providing high quality nutrition care. It customizes an individual’s care, considers a patient’s needs and benefits using evidence-based decisions,” Eduardo Janairo, chief of DOH-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), said over the weekend.

As gatekeepers of nutrition at the local level, it is important for these registered nutritionists and dietitians to acquire knowledge and skills in addressing the problem brought by lifestyle-related diseases.

The training includes nutrition assessment, diagnosis, intervention and nutrition monitoring and evaluation.

Calabarzon is among regions in the country with a high incidence of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension and renal disease.

Meanwhile, Diabetes Philippines welcomed the inclusion of medicine for diabetic patients in the list of drugs under maximum drug retail prices.

Diabetes Philippines president Grace delos Santos said cheaper drugs would help ease the burden of patients.

Delos Santos said newer medicine for diabetes should be included in the list as these are more advanced and have fewer side effects on patients’ health.