Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects over 4.7 million adults in the Philippines, often unknowingly leading to health complications. It occurs when the body cannot produce or use enough insulin properly, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. However, with proper care, diabetes can be managed. Risk factors include family history, poor eating habits, and lack of physical activity. Nutrition can be a turning point for those with diabetes, and diabetes-specific nutritional supplements like Glucerna® provide complete and balanced nutrients that help deliver better blood sugar control.
Meet Edna Panaligan Sta Ana, Ramon Borromeo, and Salvador Baroro – they 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.
Edna Panaligan Sta Ana’s 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.
Since her diagnosis in 2003, Edna has developed a structured daily routine anchored 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 daily—once in the morning and once before bed. Her advocacy extends beyond her home: Edna runs a Facebook page called Elderly of Santa Maria Bulacan, where she shares health tips and nutritional inspirations for fellow elderly Filipinos.
Thanks to her consistency, Edna 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 older adults’ energy, health, and independence.
Ramon Borromeo, 62, a retired seaman, discovered he had diabetes in 1990 during a required medical exam before boarding a ship. Unlike others, he had no symptoms at the time, but the diagnosis motivated him to overhaul his lifestyle. He cut out sugary food, switched to a low-carb diet, and took his medications on every sea voyage.
Ramon Borromeo discovered he had diabetes despite experiencing no symptoms, which motivated him to overhaul his lifestyle.
In 2024, after experiencing nighttime chills and shaking – often signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar – his doctor advised him to take one serving of Glucerna before bed. The effect was physical and emotional: his blood sugar dropped from 162 mg/dL to 108 mg/dL, and he no longer wakes up trembling but enjoys uninterrupted sleep.
Ramon’s case illustrates the significant benefits of managing glucose variability—particularly during the night, a challenge often overlooked in individuals with diabetes for many years. His improved sleep quality and better glycemic control highlight the importance of tailored evening nutrition strategies for older adults with diabetes.
Salvador Baroro, 64, saw his blood sugar reach 332 mg/dL 2015, which became a moment of reckoning in his life. A longtime bakery and grocery store owner, he ate what he wanted and thought little of long-term consequences. After his diagnosis, Salvador made a sharp pivot. He closed his store, retired early, and committed to daily hikes on nearby mountain trails. In 2018, with encouragement from his doctor, he began drinking Glucerna in the morning and evening. “It helped keep me full and replaced the bad habits I used to reward myself with,” Salvador said.
As a result, his blood sugar normalized to 105 mg/dL, and he shed nearly 60 kilograms in body weight. Beyond the numbers, Salvador found new structure, freedom, and mental clarity. His case is a striking example of how combining regular physical activity with a diet incorporating a diabetes-specific formula can help reshape health and quality of life.
Salvador Baroro’s case is a striking example of how combining regular physical activity with a diet incorporating a diabetes-specific formula can help reshape health and quality of life.
Edna, Ramon, and Salvador are 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 easier to maintain and more sustainable in the long run. With the proper 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, visit https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/glucerna/home.html.
