If you’re living with diabetes, then you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Diabetes is a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t have to stop you from living fully. It happens when your body can’t produce enough insulin or use it properly, leading to elevated blood sugar levels over time. If left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications—but with the right care, you can stay in control. 

In the Philippines, over 4.7million adults live with diabetes1 and many don’t even know it until symptoms or complications appear. Family history, poor eating habits, and a lack of physical activity are common risk factors—but the good news is, diabetes can be managed. 

 

For many, nutrition becomes a turning point when incorporated as part of a healthy lifestyle program. Studies have shown that diabetes-specific nutritional supplements such as Glucerna® provide complete and balanced nutrients to support those with diabetes and are clinically proven to help deliver better blood sugar control.2

 

Thriving with Diabetes: Real Lives, Real Solutions

 Meet Edna Panaligan Sta Ana, have found ways to integrate proper nutrition and daily movement into a sustainable lifestyle, proving that managing diabetes can also mean thriving.

 

Edna Panaligan Sta Ana, 64, received her diabetes diagnosis during a routine health screening at a local mall. Although her mother was diagnosed with diabetes, Edna was convinced she had “escaped it.” That belief changed quickly when her blood sugar was recorded at 200 mg/dL,significantly higher than the typical random blood glucose level of 125 mg/dL or lower3. Shocked but determined, she immediately took action.

Since her diagnosis in 2003, Edna developed a structured daily routineanchored on prevention. Her mornings begin with light indoor cycling or a walk around her garden. She prepares home-cooked meals rich in vegetables and fiber, and drinks Glucerna twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Her advocacy extends beyond her home: Edna runs a Facebook page called Elderly of Santa MariaBulacan, where she shares health tips and nutritionalinspirations for fellow elderly Filipinos. 

Thanks to her consistency, Edna now maintains her blood sugar at a healthier range of 120 mg/dL. Her story shows that living well with diabetes isn’t about restrictions but about creating daily habits and nutritional strategies that support energy, health, and independence in older adults.

Managing Diabetes with Nutrition

Edna, living proof that life with diabetes doesn’t mean giving up the things you love. Their journeys highlight how proper nutrition can be a powerful ally in managing diabetes effectively. Science-backed solutions like Glucerna provide structured nutritional support that helps regulate blood sugar through slow glucose release, improved insulin sensitivity, and enhanced cardiometabolic health—especially when paired with medication and regular physical activity.

 

The key isn’t restriction—it’s balance. By incorporating diabetes-specific formulas into your daily routine, you can build healthier habits that are not only easier to maintain but also more sustainable in the long run. With the right knowledge, consistent daily actions, and supportive tools, small steps can lead to meaningful, lasting progress.

 Glucerna® is available in leading supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retailers nationwide. To learn more, https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/glucerna/home.html