“Women And Diabetes- Our Right To A Healthy Future”

Diabetes is a health concern that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces¹ resulting to high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Diabetes may cause complications and make further damage to the body.

Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), diabetes is the 9^th leading cause of death in women globally. Diabetic women encounter more problems in conceiving and poor pregnancy outcomes which may result from poor pre-conception planning. Moreover, 1 in 7 births is affected by gestational diabetes (GDM) which may further increase the risk of women to develop more health complications. Furthermore, stigmatization and discrimination faced by diabetic people are more pronounced in girls and women. This can discourage them from seeking diagnosis and treatment, preventing them from achieving positive health outcomes.

Due to these increasing concerns on women and diabetes, IDF launched the World Diabetes Day 2017 theme, “Women and Diabetes – Our Right to a Healthy Future,” which promotes the importance of affordable and equitable access for all women with diabetes or at risk to the essential diabetes medicines and technologies, self-management education and information they require to achieve optimal diabetes outcomes and strengthen their capacity to prevent type 2 diabetes.²

“Women and girls are key agents in the adoption of healthy lifestyles to prevent the further rise of diabetes and so it is important that they are given affordable and equitable access to the medicines, technologies, education and information they require to achieve optimal diabetes outcomes and strengthen their capacity to promote healthy behaviours,” said Dr. Shaukat Sadikot, IDF President.³

            Giving support to diabetic women by regularly monitoring their health will definitely help them to easily manage diabetes. Aside from the supply of medicines and technologies, healthy diet and regular exercise should also be given focus to properly manage diabetes. It is highly recommended to consume nutrient-dense, fiber-rich, low fat and low calorie foods while avoiding foods high in saturated fats, trans-fat, cholesterol and sodium.

            As a health and wellness advocate, Gardenia continuously produce healthy-licious bread products to improve existing bread line up and give consumers healthier bread options. One of the bread variants that Gardenia offers is the Gardenia Whole Wheat Pandesal which is high in folate, vitamins A, B1, B3 and iron. These vitamins are important in order for the human body to function well. Moreover, Gardenia Whole Wheat Pandesal is also a source of calcium and fiber. Fiber, as we know, is an important nutrient that is responsible for keeping the blood sugar levels under control.

            Women should be wiser and more conscious about making healthy choices not only for themselves but also for their loved ones. Let us celebrate World Diabetes Day with our family especially with all the women we love with this mouth-watering recipe, Gardenia Chicken Pesto in a Bun!

GARDENIA CHICKEN PESTO IN A BUN

INGREDIENTS

1 pc Gardenia Whole Wheat Pandesal

1 pc Romaine lettuce, washed and patted dry

60g Chicken breast, sliced, pan-grilled

1pc tomato, sliced

1pc cucumber, sliced

1 tsp store-bought pesto

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice Gardenia Whole Wheat Pandesal into two.
2. Spread pesto on the 1^st half of the bun then layer lettuce, chicken breast, tomato, and cucumber.
3. Top the other half bun then serve.