19/12/2025
https://www.facebook.com/100069254467528/posts/1204823185169486/
𝟮 𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟬 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰, 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗙𝗡𝗥𝗜 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀
Two (2) in every 10 (22.0%) Filipino adults, aged 20-59 years old have impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG) or considered prediabetic, a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, according to the 2023 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).
Impaired FBG was significantly higher among men (24.5%) than women (19.9%). Meanwhile, 7.5% have high FBG or with fasting blood glucose of equal to or more than (≥) 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), which is significantly higher among urban dwellers (8.8%) than rural dwellers (6.4%).
The survey also revealed the following:
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝟮𝟬-𝟱𝟵 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗹𝗱
• 1 in every 10 (11.3%) has high cholesterol, and is significantly higher among females and urban dwellers.
• 7.2% have high LDL-cholesterol (also known as “bad” cholesterol, the levels of which should be low), which was significantly higher among males (8.9%) than females (5.3%).
• 2 in every 10 adults have high triglycerides, and is more prevalent among males (28.7%) than females (14.0%).
• 6 in every 10 (57.5%) have low HDL-cholesterol (also known as “good” cholesterol, the levels of which should be high). This is significantly higher among females (66.2%) and males (47.5%).
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝟲𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲
• 4 in every 10 older persons (36.0%) have impaired FBG. This is significantly higher among older men (38.0%) than older women (34.4%).
• 2 in every 10 older persons (17.2%) have high FBG, which is significantly higher among urban dwellers (19.4%) than rural dwellers (15.3%).
• 2 in every 10 older persons (20.4%) have high total cholesterol, which is significantly higher among females and urban dwellers.
• 1 in every 10 (13.7%) older persons has high LDL-cholesterol. This is more prevalent among females and urban dwellers.
• 6 in every 10 (55.8%) older persons have low HDL-cholesterol, and is significantly higher among females than males.
The DOST-FNRI emphasizes that these findings reflect the growing impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Philippines. This is largely driven by risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal lipid (fat) levels, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors like smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, and poor sleep.
In light of these results, the DOST-FNRI recommends promoting heart-healthy lifestyles, including a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, and the cessation of smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
Specifically, the food manufacturing sector and food establishments, including office and school canteens, should be monitored as to the nutritional content of their products and the food they serve, like fat, cholesterol, sodium, preservatives, artificial ingredients, carcinogens, and other harmful substances like heavy metals and microplastics.
Moreover, these findings are crucial in guiding public health strategies and strict enforcement of policies aimed at preventing lifestyle-related diseases. They also serve as a valuable resource for improving health and nutrition services, particularly for this age group who manifest several nutrition- and lifestyle-related diseases, especially at the community and grassroots levels, where early interventions and health education can make a significant difference.
