AstraZeneca and Diabetes Philippines Launch Early Screening Campaign for Diabetes

In observance of World Diabetes Day, Diabetes Philippines and AstraZeneca formally launched the “STOP Diabetes: ACT NOW” movement—an urgent nationwide call for early diabetes screening and timely intervention. The initiative seeks to address the alarming rise of diabetes in the country, a lifestyle disease affecting an estimated 4.7 million Filipino adults and now the fifth leading cause of death nationwide. With this campaign, experts hope to significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening complications through early detection and holistic care.

With the theme “Driving Better Diabetes Outcomes Through Early Screening and Holistic Care,” the event gathered healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and partner organizations to discuss the growing burden of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and its common severe complication, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Speakers emphasized that diabetes remains one of the most pressing public health concerns in the Philippines—one that requires collective action.

“As we celebrate World Diabetes Day, we in the medical community, as well as our patient partners, sound the bell to ACT NOW,” said Dr. Francis Pasaporte, past president of Diabetes Philippines, as he opened the forum.
Understanding the Weight of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition wherein the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce enough of it. Insulin plays a vital role in allowing glucose to be used for energy; without it functioning properly, glucose stays in the bloodstream and causes persistently high blood sugar. Over time, unmanaged diabetes can lead to severe complications—one of the most critical being Chronic Kidney Disease, which affects nearly 40% of patients with T2Dduring their lifetime.

The latest International Diabetes Federation (IDF) report revealed that 7.5% of Filipinos aged 20–79 are living with diabetes. Even more concerning, 53.5% of these adults remain undiagnosed, suggesting that more than half of those with diabetes do not know they have the disease. This gap underscores the urgent need for accessible, early screening to help prevent irreversible damage.

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s recent data further highlights the disease’s impact, placing diabetes as the fifth leading cause of mortality in 2024.
STOP Diabetes, ACT NOW: A Unified Push for Action

During the World Diabetes Day Agham Kapihan, Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of Diabetes Philippines, emphasized the expanding burden of diabetes across Filipino families and the shared responsibility to curb its rise.

“Diabetes is a big problem that is affecting our nation,” added Dr. Rey Rosales, Treasurer of Diabetes Philippines. “Early screening is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives and prevent severe complications such as CKD.”

Dr. Rosales also noted that 7 out of 10 working-class Filipinos are affected by diabetes or its consequences, highlighting the disease’s impact on productivity and economic stability.

To address this, the STOP Diabetes: ACT NOW campaign aims to encourage widespread screening, prompt treatment, and increased community involvement. Dr. Tiu stressed widening screening efforts, starting with families of diabetic patients, and rolling out more clinics nationwide through PhilHealth-supported programs.
Voices from Patient Advocates

Patient advocates also shared firsthand insights into how early action can save lives.
Architect Cynthia Clemen Y. Duntz, President of the Diabetes Advocacy Society Inc., highlighted the importance of mindful eating and science-based guidance within communities.

Meanwhile, Reynaldo Abacan Jr., President of Dialysis PH, urged Filipinos—especially those without symptoms—to undergo screening. “Even if we don’t feel anything now, we may already have the disease. Early screening gives us the chance to change our lifestyle and get treatment.”
PhilHealth and AstraZeneca Strengthen Support

A representative from PhilHealth assured that members can access financial support through programs such as the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) package.

“Under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Para sa Lahat program, we cover primary consultations, essential diagnostic tests like HbA1c, and essential anti-diabetic medicines,” said Dr. Lydia Labro of PhilHealth. “We are focusing not just on curative care but also on prevention and early detection.”

From the industry side, Dr. Cyril Tolosa, Medical Affairs Director of AstraZeneca Philippines, reaffirmed the company’s ambition to eliminate deaths from cardiometabolic diseases. He emphasized AstraZeneca’s continuing partnerships with patient groups, LGUs, diabetes educators, and pharmacies to strengthen diabetes and kidney disease screening across the country.
A Call for Collective Commitment

To close the event, Dr. Nines Bautista, Vice President of Diabetes Philippines, encouraged everyone to renew their shared responsibility in combating diabetes.

“Diabetes is not just a medical condition; it is a public health and social concern affecting families and communities,” she said. “Through awareness, education, and united action, we can empower every Filipino to live healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives.”

The forum concluded with a commitment exercise, symbolizing a renewed pledge among partners and advocates to help Filipinos take charge of their health—and to stop diabetes before it stops them.