Diabetes can lead to severe complications if left unmanaged. Uncontrolled diabetes can result in hypertension and kidney disease due to the damage it causes to blood vessels. It can also lead to amputations and blindness, consequently impacting the mental health of the patients.

In time for the celebration of World Diabetes Day on November 14, Unilab, Inc., the most trusted and leading pharmaceutical and healthcare company in the country, kicked off its nationwide Alagang Unilab Health and Wellness Fair in Pampanga.

Close to 2,000 Cabalens in Mabalacat, Porac, and San Fernando benefited from the services and interactive lectures offered in the three-day event supported by local officials, the health departments, and barangay health workers.
 

NCDs

Pre-identified patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes under the care and monitoring of the local health departments received vital medical services, including blood pressure checks, glucose level monitoring, testing for anemia, bone scanning, and consultations with healthcare professionals, all aimed at improving their understanding and management of their health conditions.
Dr. Rowena Salas of the San Fernando Health Office emphasized the need to regularly remind the community about NCDs and to disseminate information regarding diabetes and other related conditions.

“It is essential to monitor these patients closely to help reduce their medication needs. If their conditions are controlled, we can potentially eliminate some medications,” she stated.

The highlight of the November 12 to 14, 2024 fair was the interactive lecture that raised the awareness of the participants on hypertension and diabetes and allowed them to gain valuable insights into managing their conditions, understanding their medications, and making healthier food and lifestyle choices.

San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag, Mabalacat Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo, and Porac Mayor Myla Clarete attended the event to show their support and appreciation to the services provided by Unilab to their constituents.

“This activity is a big help to our Cabalens,” Caluag noted.

“Let me convey the gratitude of the whole town of Porac to Unilab and its management for holding this Health and Wellness Fair,” Clarete added.

Addressing health challenges

The recently-held Alagang Unilab Health and Wellness Fair is a collaboration between public and private sectors, and is deemed vital in addressing health challenges at the community level.

“It is crucial to reach out to communities and provide services that the public sector may not be able to offer on its own. We, from the private sector, aim to fill these gaps. Together with the public sector, we can provide more comprehensive services to the people,” Alexander S. Panlilio, Corporate Vice President of Unilab, explained.
 

Younger individuals becoming prone

Raising awareness about the incidence of diabetes is essential, especially as the age of onset appears to be going down. 

“We are seeing younger individuals becoming more prone to conditions like diabetes and other NCDs due to their lifestyle choices,” Panlilio noted, adding that continuous observation and intervention are necessary to improve health outcomes in the community.

For his part, Mabalacat Mayor Garbo expressed gratitude for the partnership of his area with Unilab. 

“Thank you for this program. It is essential for our community, and we appreciate the support in addressing these pressing health issues,” he said.
 

Long-term health conditions

The participants were also encouraged to engage with various game booths and informational stations, which offered a more interactive way to learn about preventive health measures.

In this way, people who have long-term health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes would know more about their non-communicable diseases and would feel more secure that they have a community that will help them take better care of themselves and their families.

“Our goal is to foster a sense of community and provide essential healthcare services, especially for those dealing with long-term conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Through initiatives such as Alagang Unilab community engagements, we hope to empower Filipinos to take charge of their health and lead fulfilling lives,” Panlilio added.

With the event’s success in Pampanga, Unilab plans to expand the Alagang Unilab activities to other parts of the country, making it a nationwide initiative. This will be part of Unilab’s 80th anniversary celebration next year, further reinforcing its commitment toward a healthier Philippines.