Held recently at the SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, “Gimik Diabetes” was spearheaded by Diabetes Philippines, featuring proper diet, exercise and care for diabetics, the diabetes-prone, and non-diabetics. Equal, a favorite low-calorie sweetener used and accepted worldwide, participated in the convention with sampler packs given away to the participants.
The speakers and their topics included: Dr. Richard Elwynn Fernando, “How will I know I am diabetic?”; Sanirose Orbeta, “Food facts and falacies”; Ma. Imelda Cardino, “All about good nutrition: Focus on the young”; Ma. Teresa Plata-Que, MD, “Proper care of the feet”; and Dr. Cecilia Jimeno, “Food supplements: Why no approved therapeutic claim.”
Also featured was “The Ants Know Better,” an episode from the ABS-CBN program, The Correspondents, a vivid documentary on diabetes, its prevention, and management. Gary Valenciano, Mr. Pure Energy and a type I diabetic himself, gave this advice in the episode: “Proper diet and exercise will prevent type II diabetes. But if you already got diabetes, you can still lead a normal life with proper diet, exercise, and calorie counting.”
Equal low-calorie sweetener was mentioned by the doctors and dietitian speakers as a flavorful sugar substitute for those who simply want to enjoy the sweetness with their coffee and tea, minus the calories.