Sun Life Survey Reveals Hidden Financial and Mental Health Impacts of Type 2 Diabetes

　　• Over half (51%) of those living with diabetes in the Philippines report a ‘severe’ or significant’  financial impact on their lives, with 89% unable to consistently afford the right care. • 81% of non-diabetics are either ‘very concerned’ or ‘concerned’ about the financial burden that  would result from a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.  

　　• 69% of diabetics report a negative impact on their mental health. 

　　• Yet 40% of the population have never had blood sugar screening. 

　　Manila, Philippines (November 2024) – New research by Sun Life Asia reveals the hidden cost of living with  type 2 diabetes and the condition’s financial and mental health impacts, highlighting an urgent need for  education, prevention, and access to care. 

　　Sun Life’s survey, titled Healthy Habits, Healthier Futures: Preventing Diabetes in Asia, interviewed 3,647  people across Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, about their  awareness of diabetes risk factors, treatment and prevention. The survey included 600 people currently living  with type 2 diabetes, providing an insight into life with the condition. 

　　This follows an epidemic rise in diabetes cases in recent decades, with more than 540 million people living with  the condition worldwide1. More than 90 million of those are in Southeast Asia where the number of adults  with diabetes is projected to soar to 152 million by 2045, presenting a serious public health challenge2. Type 2  diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of global cases.3 

　　The research reveals that despite soaring case numbers, few people are actively taking steps to lower their risk  of developing diabetes or learn more about the condition and for those with diabetes, the impacts are not just  physical. 

　　Hidden financial and mental health impacts of type 2 diabetes 

　　In addition to the physical cost of diabetes, the condition has a significant financial cost, preventing many  people from accessing the right healthcare. Over half (51%) of those living with diabetes in the Philippines  report a ‘severe’ or significant’ financial impact on their lives, with 89% unable to consistently afford the right  care. 

　　Financial concerns about diabetes are even more prevalent than health-related concerns. 81% of non-diabetics  are either ‘very concerned’ or ‘concerned’ about the financial burden that would result from a type 2 diabetes  diagnosis, highlighting the need for the protection of health insurance.  

　　The research also uncovered the hidden mental health impact of the disease, with 69% of diabetics reporting a  negative impact on their mental health post-diagnosis. This is compounded by social impacts experienced at  home and at work; 69% of people with diabetes report feeling judged by family and friends after being  diagnosed and 70% of diabetics have faced judgment or bias at work related to their condition. 

　　Few people practice preventative measures 

　　Diabetes risk continues to grow across Asia, but only 45% of Filipinos attend annual screenings for type 2  diabetes and 40% have never been screened, resulting in unexpected diagnoses and preventable cases. 

　　1 Source: International Diabetes Federation: https://idf.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-facts-figures/ 

　　2 Source: International Diabetes Federation: https://diabetesatlas.org/#:~:text=South%2DEast%20Asia,living%20with%20diabetes%20are%20undiagnosed. 3 Source: International Diabetes Federation: https://idf.org/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes/

　　Only a small minority consistently practice prevention measures such as maintaining a healthy diet, monitoring  weight and blood sugar, and exercising regularly. One in ten people do not ensure their children eat a healthy  diet, and 25% don’t encourage their children to exercise. 

　　Many people struggle to understand nutritional information. 30% find it difficult to identify hidden sugars and  fats in their diet, while 24% struggle to understand the impacts of different foods on their blood sugar levels. 

　　Regular exercise, healthy eating and early screening has the power to reduce diabetes risks but depends on  improving awareness. Since 2012, Sun Life has committed over $53 million to fight against diabetes globally  through strategic partnerships supporting the most vulnerable communities. 

　　Through local partnerships with hospitals, medical institutes and foundations across the region, Sun Life is  providing access to blood glucosescreenings, nutrition advice and counselling, exercise programmes, diabetes  care packages and local education programs for children, which can empower people to monitor their diabetes  risks. 

　　Physical inactivity is increasing diabetes risks 

　　A decline in physical activity, compounded by a lack of safe exercise spaces, is increasing diabetes risks across  Asia. More than a quarter (27%) of respondentsin the Philippinesreport decreased exercise over the past five  years, with younger people more likely to report a decrease. Among those reporting insufficient exercise, 54%  cited a lack of access to safe, quality exercise spaces in their local areas. 

　　Having accessible exercise spaces is vital to keep people active, healthy, and engaged. Since 2023, Sun Life has  partnered with social change foundation Beyond Sport to launch Hoops + Health, a community programme that inspires activity and healthy living through basketball by improving community access to courts and  coaches across Asia. To date, Hoops + Health has helped more than 14,000 people in underprivileged  communities to get active and enjoy sport. 

　　Common myths prevail, underscoring the need for diabetes education 

　　Diabetes is one of the most serious public health issues facing Asia, yet common myths about the condition  prevail, mainly related to risk factors. 

　　Nearly one in four people in the Philippines (23%) believe that type 2 diabetes only affects overweight  individuals, 58% believe it is solely caused by excessive sugar consumption, and 65% think diabetes treatment  always requires insulin injections. 

　　The survey also found diabetics had a lack of risk awareness before their diagnosis. A total of 24% report they  had a poor or very poor understanding of the condition prior to their diagnosis. Just under half of diabetics  (45%) believed they were low risk or did not consider their risks at all before their diagnosis, while just 2% of  diabetics believed they were high risk. 

　　The findings showthat misunderstandings about the risks and causes of diabetes can hinder prevention, early  diagnosis, and treatment, making education on the topic essential.  

　　Steven Ho, AVP, Medical Director, said: "Our research shows that it’s critical to address the notable knowledge  gaps around diabetes – its risk factors, and the importance of early diagnosis and prevention. By promoting  awareness and dispelling common myths, we can empower individuals to make informed health choices.  Implementing preventative measures such as adopting healthier diets, engaging in regular exercise, and  monitoring blood sugar levels, can significantly improve health outcomes and even lead to remission。” 

　　Lack of understanding about type 2 diabetes treatment 

　　Although there is no cure, medical professionals say many people can reverse diabetes within a year of  diagnosis through positive lifestyle changes such as healthier food choices and more exercise. Adopting these  lifestyle changes can maintain normal glucose levels without the need for insulin. However, there is limited awareness about the potential to reverse diabetes. Only 35% of Filipinos believe type 2 diabetes can be  managed without medication。

　　Few diabetes sufferers are actively trying to reverse their condition. While 96% of diabetics believe remission is  possible, most do not believe it is achievable within one year despite many medical professionals advising this  is possible. 

　　Awareness and Action 

　　Empowering people to effectively manage their condition requires access to healthcare and medical advice,  education on the latest management strategies, behavioural support for lifestyle changes, and accessible and  affordable food and exercise options.  

　　Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer at Sun Life Philippines said: “Sun Life  strives to help Filipinos live healthier lives, and diabetes awareness and prevention are among our priorities.  This is why we are once again collaborating with the Institute of Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Inc. to sustain  efforts we have already started in the past years. 

　　As part of the collaboration, Sun Life and ISDFI will visit various communities to hold nutrition counseling,  fitness activities, and diabetes screening, engaging as many as a hundred residents per area. Meanwhile, in Sun  Life Barangay Health Stations built in remote areas in partnership with Health Futures Foundation, Inc.,  Diabetes Corners remain active in providing residents with ample guidance about the disease. 

　　“It is our hope that this will inspire more communities to make diabetes prevention a shared goal,” Gonzalez Chong said. “Moreover, to help address the financial impacts of having this illness, our financial literacy  advocacy continues, sharing ways to develop good financial habits, build the necessary funds, and be  financially secure even while managing diabetes. This is our commitment。” 

　　The executive summary of the Healthy Habits, Healthier Futures survey is available here:  https://sunlife.co/HealthyHabitsHealthierFutures