For Your Sweetheart PH campaign leads the discussion on the need for healthier habits

FYS encourages Filipinos to take better care of their health as diabetes and heart disease rates rise

Doctors and other healthcare professionals are concerned about recent increases in deaths from heart disease and diabetes.

According to the Philippine Statistics Office, ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines in 2020 and 2021.

Indeed, the number increased from more than 95,000 in 2020 to nearly 126,000 in 2021. Meanwhile, diabetes-related deaths are expected to rise by 22% to 44,000 by 2021.

These results were discussed at the recent “Confessions of a Sweet Talker: How Your Sweet Tooth Can Cause Heartaches” media briefing of For Your Sweetheart Philippines, a national movement among health industry heavyweights started by Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines to raise awareness of the crucial connection between diabetes and heart disease.

One of the most plausible reasons for the rise in these medical disorders, according to the event’s panelists, is lifestyle modifications brought on by pandemic patterns and limitations.

“Pandemic lockdowns and quarantines have seriously impacted the health of many Filipinos by limiting their movement and keeping them from engaging in exercise,” noted Philippine Heart Association (PHA) secretary, Dr. Rodney Jimenez. “And this was exacerbated by heightened anxiety, as well as the availability of streaming services and social media.”

Online health risk assessment tools

Hypertension and diabetes are preventable. In fact, there are simple online tools that people can use to get an indication of any health risks they may have.

One such tool, called the Framingham Assessment Test, is a web-based written exam that computes the risk for developing cardiovascular disease based on a series of information including cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The test is free and anyone aged 30 to 74 can take it to find out if they are at risk of getting a heart attack within 10 years.

“Accessible online tools like the Framingham Assessment Test help provide a picture of one’s health prior to consulting a doctor,” said Ms. Leyden Florido, President of Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators. “Results can be brought to a doctor for proper interpretation and necessary action.”

The Framingham Assessment Test takes only 10 minutes and can be found at www.foryoursweetheart.ph. Even people without a history of heart ailments are encouraged to take it.

Return to regular consultation

Other panelists in the event noted that many people may not be aware that diabetes can lead to heart disease.

“A lot of Filipinos living with diabetes don’t realize that if they don’t learn to manage their condition properly, it can lead to heart disease,” said Dr. Pasaporte, president of Diabetes Philippines. “This is especially true for people who have vices, are hypertensive and unmindful of their diet, and lead a sedentary lifestyle.”

He added that to manage the medical conditions and bring down the number of deaths from diabetes and heart disease, Filipinos need to go back to their healthy lifestyle or change their behavior altogether.

“They also need to go back to seeing their doctors,” added Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM) President, Dr. Carolyn Narvacan-Montano. “We’re in the new normal now. While online consultation remains a good option to get medical attention, hospitals and clinics can once again accept patients with other conditions by putting in place policies and measures that will protect the health and safety of everyone coming in their building against COVID-19. The best way to know how to keep your diabetes in control and from developing heart disease is still to see your doctor regularly.”

First launched in 2020, For Your Sweetheart PH aims to continuously educate Filipinos about the correlation between diabetes and heart disease, as well as how to properly manage the condition. The campaign is supported by the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM), Alliance of Clinical Endocrinologists (ACE), Diabetes Philippines (DP), Institute for the Studies of Diabetes Foundation (ISDF), Philippine Association for Diabetes Educators (PADE), and Philippine Alliance Patient Organizations (PAPO).