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AS Heart Month reminds us of the critical need to protect our cardiovascular and metabolic health, Novo Nordisk Philippines and the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM) are stepping up the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by signing a partnership agreement to address the alarming rise of NCDs that not only threaten lives but also significantly strain the health care system.
PARTNERING FOR HEALTH Novo Nordisk Philippines and Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism key executives attend the signing ceremony of a partnership agreement, aimed at empowering patients and health care providers on the latest medical advancements in the management of type 2 diabetes. PHOTO FROM NOVO NORDISK
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are closely linked to other NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. High blood sugar from diabetes damages blood vessels over time, while hypertension forces the heart to work harder than normal.
Diabetes also accelerates the build up of arterial plaques, which blocks blood flow to the brain and heart and increases the risk of life-threatening complications.
According to the World Health Organization, the cases of diabetes have alarmingly doubled to over 800 million cases globally in just 30 years. In the Philippines alone, diabetes now ranks as the 5th leading cause of death, claiming the lives of over 15,000 Filipinos annually as of 2024.
When it comes to managing NCDs, Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and health care providers in Local Government Units (LGUs) are at the forefront.
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As the primary point of contact for patients, PCPs must stay updated on the latest advancements in treatment and inform patients about accessible, innovative options that are successfully used in other countries and are readily available in the Philippines.
One such innovation is the availability of a diabetes drug class called Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) drugs in the Philippines. These medications mimic natural hormones to stimulate insulin release, reduce appetite and aid in weight loss — all crucial for effectively managing diabetes. Despite its potential, it remains relatively unknown to the public and many health care providers.
To address these gaps, Novo Nordisk Philippines and PCEDM are collaborating to strengthen type 2 diabetes management through a holistic approach.
RAISING AWARENESS Novo Nordisk Philippines and Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism sign a partnership agreement to enhance awareness and education on medical innovations in diabetes management and treatment in the Philippines. PHOTO FROM NOVO NORDISK
This partnership incorporates education on GLP-1 RAs into PCEDM's Continuing Medical Education initiative, "Ease Diabetes." This program provides health care professionals with updates on the latest clinical practice guidelines and emerging treatment paradigms in type 2 diabetes care.
In collaboration with Cities for Better Health, PCEDM and Novo Nordisk Philippines will be able to extend the Ease Diabetes program to PCPs of Quezon City and other LGUs in the country.
Through this pioneering program, health care providers in Quezon City will receive access to specialized modules, aimed at enhancing their capacity to manage NCDs and diabetes effectively, allowing frontline health care providers to be equipped to address the unique challenges faced by urban communities.
The program also promotes stronger collaboration between PCPs and health care specialists, fostering a multi-disciplinary approach to type 2 diabetes management. This enables patients to benefit from comprehensive care that addresses the complexities of the disease.
The partnership will launch education campaigns aimed at equipping health care providers at the grassroots level with the knowledge and tools to provide equitable care.
These initiatives will focus on enhancing the capacity of local health care providers to deliver early detection, proper management and innovative treatment options, ensuring that patients can receive comprehensive care in their communities.
This collaboration seeks to elevate awareness among Filipinos and health care providers about innovative treatment solutions and real-world applications that can significantly improve the management of diabetes and other NCDs.
It aims to enhance patient outcomes, decrease disease burdens and contribute to a healthier, more informed Filipino society.
