2 in 10 Pinoys are prediabetic: study

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2 in 10 Pinoys are prediabetic: study

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Jun 06, 2025 05:08 PM PHT

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Sweet Life/Unsplash



MANILA — Two out of every 10 Filipino adults aged 20 to 59 years are prediabetic, based on findings of the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).

In the agency’s 2023 National Nutrition Survey, prediabetes or impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG) was seen to be significantly higher among men compared to women. Prediabetic individuals have an FBG of 102 to 125 milligrams per deciliter. Anything above 125 is considered too high.

The study also found that prediabetes was higher among urban dwellers (8.8 percent) compared to rural dwellers (6.4 percent). 

If not immediately controlled, this will inevitably lead to diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease where the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. 

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The warning signs of diabetes include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, urination and eating. It can also cause the slow healing of wounds and blurry vision. 


DRIVERS OF PREDIABETES


FNRI senior science research specialist Ma. Stepahnie Parani said that prediabetes is primarily driven by lifestyle.

“If we eat a lot of sweets, it would be best to have our FBG levels checked,” she said.

Coupled with the lack of physical activity, this could lead to obesity, which also increases the chances of high FBG levels. Experts have repeatedly advised, especially those who live inactive lifestyles, to squeeze in at least 30 minutes of exercise regularly.

But Parani said that for some prediabetics, family history of diabetes is also a factor.

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“If you have family history it would also be wise to have your FBG checked so that you will know what other ways this can be managed,” she said. 


DIABETES AMONG TOP KILLERS IN PH 


Philippine Statistics Authority data showed that in 2024, diabetes was the fifth top cause of mortality among Filipinos.

While the rate is much lower compared to 2023, experts say that diabetes is not something to be taken lightly as it can also lead to other forms of non-communicable diseases, which are also included in the list of top killers.

“Pwede itong mag lead into other cardiovascular diseases. Kaya yung iba rin na na-diagnose or may impaired FBG, tine-test din sila for hypertension, for elevated blood levels,” Parani said.

(This can also lead to other cardiovascular diseases. This is why others who are diagnosed with impaired FBG are also tested for hypertension or elevated blood glucose.)

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Ischaemic heart disease was identified as the top cause of death. Hypertensive diseases were also in the list. 


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