Project Philippines

It is estimated that 116 million people live in the Philippines, and whilst there is no definitive statistic for the incidence of diabetes recent data from 2024 shows an estimated 4.3 million Filipinos have been diagnosed with diabetes with another 2.8 million people undiagnosed. This horrifying statistic equates to 1 in 4 Filipino people with diabetes.  

In 2013 in response to the Cebu earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan (known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines) in November 2013, Insulin for Life collected and delivered 16,900 mls of insulin, 7,000 test strips, 1,600 syringes, 8,700 pen needles, 58 glucose meters 4600 lancets and 100 insulin pens to clinics in Cebu and Dumaguete. Since this disaster activated response Insulin for Life has continued to, in partnership with the IDAF of Japan and local diabetes associations, provide insulin and diabetes supplies to clinics in many cities including Dumaguete, Cebu and Bacolad City. 

Together, with local diabetes associations the group also provides diabetes information and runs diabetes testing programs, measuring blood glucose levels and if needed HbA1c. Our team also visits prisons, testing the blood glucose levels of inmates to identify those with diabetes and to distribute supplies and provide diabetes education. Thus far we have tested 1000 prisoners for diabetes and identified 40 who were positive for diabetes.

On one recent visit Neil Donelan on behalf of Insulin for Life conducted a one-day diabetes testing program sponsored by Armi Garcia’s Sweet Alert an organization from Corazo Aquino Hospital, Dipolog, Cebu. Approximately, 170 people with diabetes were tested and extremely high blood glucose levels were identified in 5 people who required immediate admission to hospital. These results again highlight the need to improve access to diabetes supplies, education and support for people with diabetes in the Philippines.

Please consider donating now to help with the transport and handling costs and help save lives.