With peoples' lifestyle and food choices, almost every 10 seconds 2 people are diagnosed with diabetes and approximately every 7 seconds a person succumbs to it or related to it.
Inquirer reported that the International Diabetes Federation estimates that the number of people diagnosed worldwide since 2014 is about 387 million and is believed to increase to 592 million in 2035.
In the Philippines specifically, diabetes is the number one cause for blindness, non-traumatic amputations and end-stage renal disease. The Western Pacific which includes the Philippines has the largest number of adults with diabetes. However, while diabetes and complications can be avoided, only about 15 percent control their condition.
Dr. Roberto Mirasol, president of the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (Pasoo) said that the reason is that Filipinos don't understand the importance of diet to their metabolic control. More often than not they don't know what to eat and what to avoid. Patients often feel that their diet restrictions because of the disease are too strict and tight for them to follow. More often the food options are too bland to become a long term commitment; little did they know that being diagnosed with the disease doesn't mean they are deprived of food with flavors. The Association nutritionists teamed up with top chefs to come up with a two-week menu cookbook. This is available in their doctors clinics and soon online for free.
Mirasol said that the inspiration behind this idea came from patients and their families who peg healthy food to lack in flavor and taste. In their minds these kinds of food became unappetizing. He added that they don't want people to feel that they are being deprived of good food.
It took several months of researching, experimenting with ingredients and flavors to make the best cookbook. It contains five sets every day, three meals and 2 snacks. Every recipe presented comes with nutritional information. There will be no high-cholesterol food in the cookbook. They however want to let patients know they will learn another way to cook food which can be tasty as well, like poached or steamed.
