Imagine waking up every day knowing that managing your health will come at a cost—not just physically, but emotionally and financially as well. For many Filipinos living with type 2 diabetes, this is the reality. A recent survey by Sun Life Asia sheds light on the profound impact of this chronic condition, uncovering an urgent need for better awareness, prevention, and access to care.
The Heavy Financial Toll of Type 2 Diabetes
For 51% of Filipinos with diabetes, the condition places a “severe” or “significant” financial strain on their lives. Alarmingly, 89% of respondents said they cannot consistently afford the care they need, often forced to make difficult trade-offs between health and other necessities. Even those who do not have diabetes feel the weight of this potential burden: 81% of non-diabetics are “very concerned” or “concerned” about the financial repercussions of a diabetes diagnosis.
Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer at Sun Life Philippines, highlights the broader implications: “To help address the financial impacts of this illness, our financial literacy advocacy continues, sharing ways to develop good financial habits, build the necessary funds, and be financially secure even while managing diabetes. This is our commitment.”
Mental Health: The Silent Struggle
Beyond the financial burden, the survey reveals a significant mental health impact for those with diabetes. About 69% of respondents reported negative effects on their mental well-being after their diagnosis. Feelings of judgment and stigma exacerbate this struggle, with 69% feeling judged by family and friends and 70% experiencing bias at work.
Such social and emotional pressures often go unnoticed, yet they are critical in understanding the full scope of diabetes’ impact. “Our research shows it’s critical to address the notable knowledge gaps around diabetes—its risk factors, and the importance of early diagnosis and prevention,” says Steven Ho, Sun Life’s AVP, Medical Director.
A Preventable Crisis
Despite the rising prevalence of diabetes—projected to affect 152 million people in Southeast Asia by 2045—prevention measures remain underutilized. In the Philippines, 40% of individuals have never been screened for diabetes, while only 45% undergo annual screenings. The lack of awareness extends to children: one in ten parents do not ensure their kids eat a healthy diet, and 25% fail to encourage regular exercise.
Understanding food labels is another hurdle, with 30% of respondents struggling to identify hidden sugars and fats in their diet. As Ho emphasizes, simple lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and healthier eating, can dramatically reduce diabetes risks and even lead to remission.
Barriers to Healthy Living
A decline in physical activity further complicates efforts to combat diabetes. More than a quarter (27%) of Filipinos report exercising less than they did five years ago, citing a lack of safe, accessible spaces as a primary reason. To address this, Sun Life has partnered with Beyond Sport to launch “Hoops + Health,” a program that promotes active lifestyles through basketball. Since 2023, the initiative has reached over 14,000 people in underprivileged communities.
Combating Myths and Misconceptions
Misconceptions about diabetes continue to hinder progress. Nearly 23% of Filipinos believe type 2 diabetes only affects overweight individuals, while 58% attribute it solely to excessive sugar consumption. Such myths contribute to a lack of proactive health management.
The survey also found that only 35% of Filipinos believe type 2 diabetes can be managed without medication, even though many medical professionals emphasize the potential for remission through lifestyle changes. However, only a fraction of diabetics actively work toward reversing their condition, with most unaware that this goal can often be achieved within a year.
A Shared Responsibility
To tackle diabetes effectively, education and community support are key. Gonzalez-Chong outlines Sun Life’s ongoing efforts: “Through partnerships with local hospitals and organizations, we are providing nutrition counseling, fitness activities, and diabetes screenings to communities across the Philippines. It is our hope that this will inspire more communities to make diabetes prevention a shared goal.”
By raising awareness and empowering individuals to take preventive action, Sun Life aims to reduce the hidden costs of diabetes—financial, emotional, and social—and foster healthier futures for Filipinos.
For more details on Sun Life’s “Healthy Habits, Healthier Futures” survey, visit Sun Life’s website.
Details provided in a recent press release.
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