Abbott shares strategies for a diabetes-friendly holiday

Global healthcare company Abbott shared several strategies to help people with diabetes enjoy holiday feasts while keeping their sugar intake in check.

In a statement on Tuesday, Abbott recommended simple measures such as controlling food portions and choosing healthier alternatives.

“These everyday decisions allow people with diabetes to fully embrace the season, protect their health, and step into the new year with confidence and hope,” Dr. Gamaliel Tayao, Abbott’s head of medical affairs in the Philippines, said in the statement.

Abbott suggested that, instead of white rice, brown rice can serve as a nutritious alternative, as it retains more essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while having a gentler effect on blood sugar levels.

For other festive staples, the company recommended opting for grilled dishes over fried ones to reduce trans-fat intake, which is linked to heart disease and obesity. It also advised using leaner cuts, such as chicken breast or pork loin, for Filipino favorites like adobo and menudo to maintain flavor without excess fat.

To further aid digestion and support healthy cholesterol levels, Abbott recommended boosting dishes like pancit and lumpia with fiber-rich vegetables such as carrots, squash, and bell peppers.

For dessert, the company suggested prioritizing fresh fruits, which offer natural sweetness and fiber, over heavy, sugar-laden sweets.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, the Philippines has 4.7 million adults with diabetes, representing 7.5% of the country’s nearly 72 million adult population.

Beyond dietary changes, Abbott emphasized the importance of physical activity, noting that movement, like walking with loved ones or dancing, helps support glucose regulation.

The company also highlighted the value of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for tracking real-time body responses, as well as the use of diabetes-specific nutritional drinks to prevent sugar spikes when schedules become busy.

Abbott, a US-based global healthcare company, develops diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition products, and medicines. — Edg Adrian A. Eva