We know that it might be easy to constantly give in to one’s urges especially during such trying times, but if one wants to get past this pandemic, surely it’s in our best interests to take care of our bodies? A meal replacement product called Diabetasol from Kalbe International, the makers of Extrajoss energy drink, says it can help with keeping diabetics nourished through the pandemic (while also helping those on the path to diabetes).
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms can be worse and can lead to more life-threatening situations when an infected person has pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation said in an article, “Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the COVID-19 virus. When people with diabetes develop a viral infection, it can be harder to treat due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and, possibly, the presence of diabetes complications.” It continues: “There appear to be two reasons for this. Firstly, the immune system is compromised, making it harder to fight the virus and likely leading to a longer recovery period. Secondly, the virus may thrive in an environment of elevated blood glucose.”
The federation defines diabetes as “a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces.” This occurs due to genetics, lifestyle choices, age, and many other factors. Complications include (according to the American Diabetes Association) eye problems, skin complications (such as impaired healing), neuropathy, an increased risk of stroke, and cardiovascular disease. In the Philippines, diabetes was the fourth leading cause of death (with a body count of 37,300, ranking below ischemic heart diseases, cancer, and cerebrovascular diseases) in 2020, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Diabetasol is a meal replacement nutrition powder with 11 vitamins and minerals, counting Vitamins A, C, D, E, and Zinc. It helps regulate blood sugar and hunger pangs because it has VitaDigest, a combination of inulin fiber and slow-digesting carbohydrates. It comes in three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and cappuccino; in four sizes: 180 gm, 360 gm, 600 gm, and 800 gm. These range in price from P299 to P889.
Kalbe International has its headquarters in Indonesia and has a presence in Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Nigeria; among others. According to the brand, Diabetasol can be taken twice a day as a meal replacement, best taken in the morning and evening.
“As a meal replacement, one serving is equal to 260 kcal, which can replace a full meal following a recommended 1,500 kcal meal plan for diabetics,” they said. Formulating a meal plan including Diabetasol is a discussion best left to a healthcare provider or a registered nutritionist-dietitian, said the brand.
However, the powder isn’t limited for diabetics: it can also be used as a meal replacement by those who are at risk for diabetes, and for those aiming to lose weight. A Kalbe representative said in an e-mail to BusinessWorld that a serving of Diabetasol (four scoops in a 250 mL glass) can already stand in for one meal, and its Vita Digest ingredient prolongs the feeling of satiety.
Diabetasol is available in supermarkets, and online through Lazada and Shopee. — JLG
