Manila, Philippines โ November 12, 2025 โ Diabetes Philippines (DP) is calling for stronger efforts to address diabetes as a workplace issue, urging employers to prioritize the health and well-being of their workforce. As millions of Filipinos face long hours, high stress, and sedentary routines, diabetes is fast becoming one of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges in the modern workplace.
In observance of World Diabetes Day (WDD) 2025, themed โKnow more and do more for diabetes at work,โ DP is leading a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about how work environments influence lifestyle-related diseases. The organizationโs advocacy is supported by healthcare company Novo Nordisk Philippines, which shares the commitment to promoting diabetes education, prevention, and care in the country.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 4.73 million Filipino adults aged 20 to 79 live with diabetes (6.6% prevalence), and over 2.5 million remain undiagnosedโmany of them part of the nationโs active workfo[1]rce.
Diabetes as a Workplace Issue
โDiabetes doesnโt just affect individualsโit impacts the way we work and the way our businesses perform,โ said Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of Diabetes Philippines. โWhen employees are constantly stressed, skip meals, or sit for hours without physical activity, we create the perfect environment for diabetes to thrive. That makes this a workplace issue as much as it is a public health issue.โ
The modern Filipino workplace, with its long hours, irregular eating habits, and limited movement, has become a major contributor to lifestyle diseases. Dr. Tiu added, โHealthy employees are productive employees. Companies that invest in diabetes prevention and management not only protect their workforce but also strengthen their bottom line.โ
The Weight of the Matter
Obesity remains one of the strongest risk factors for diabetes, and its prevalence continues to rise. According to the 2023 National Nutrition Survey by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), four out of 10 Filipino adults (39.8%) are overweight or obese[2]โa trend that worsens as more jobs become desk-bound.
โThe weight of the matter is this: the way we work is shaping the way we get sick,โ said Dr. Reynaldo Rosales, Treasurer of Diabetes Philippines. โObesity and diabetes are deeply connected. A sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits create insulin resistance over time. Without early intervention, we risk seeing diabetes affect people at younger ages.โ
Dr. Rosales emphasized that small changes in the workplace can yield major health benefitsโfrom regular health checks to healthy food options and activity breaks during the workday.
A Shared Call to Action
Aligned with the World Diabetes Day 2025 theme, โKnow more and do more for diabetes at work,โ Diabetes Philippines is strengthening its โTara Na, Stop Diabetesโ campaignโa national movement encouraging Filipinos to take proactive steps toward prevention and management, starting in the workplace.
โEducation and awareness must begin where people spend most of their dayโat work,โ said Dr. Nines Bautista, Vice Chairman and Vice President of Diabetes Philippines. โOur call to action is clear: letโs make every workplace a space for health. Through โTara Na, Stop Diabetes,โ we aim to empower employees and employers alike to build healthier habits together.โ
Dr. Bautista noted that cross-sector partnerships are key to success. โWe value the support of organizations like Novo Nordisk Philippines that share our vision for a healthier, more informed workforce.โ
Industry Partnership for Healthier Workplaces
Novo Nordisk Philippines, a partner of Diabetes Philippines, continues to support efforts that promote awareness, early detection, and management of diabetes nationwide.
โWorkplaces are critical environments for promoting good health,โ said Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. โBy supporting Diabetes Philippines and its initiatives, we hope to help organizations create spaces where prevention and early action become part of everyday work life.โ
A Collective Responsibility
Global evidence shows that workplace interventionsโsuch as health screenings, fitness programs, and nutrition educationโcan significantly reduce absenteeism, healthcare costs, and long-term complications.
โDiabetes and obesity are not just personal problems; theyโre community challenges,โ said Dr. Bautista. โThe workplace can either contribute to the problem or become part of the solution.โ
As the Philippines joins the global observance of World Diabetes Day, Diabetes Philippines urges employers, policymakers, and communities to act decisively toward creating healthier, more supportive work environments.
The message is clear: healthier workplaces build healthier employeesโand a healthier nation.
[1] https://idf.org/our-network/regions-and-members/western-pacific/members/the-philippines/
[2] https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/programs-and-projects/news-and-announcement/880-dost-fnri-presents-the-latest-ph-nutrition-situation
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