Beyond ‘Cute and Tambok’: Why Davao Doctors Are Urging Early Diabetes Checks for Kids

DAVAO CITY (November 2) — For generations, carrying extra weight in childhood was often met with affectionate smiles in Filipino households. A round, chubby child was seen as well-fed, thriving, and healthy—a comforting sign of care. But local health experts in Davao are urging parents to look past that long-held belief, warning that what seems cute on the surface could mask a growing health risk.

A Changing Landscape for Young Health

Historically, when children developed diabetes, it was almost exclusively Type 1—an autoimmune condition unrelated to weight or daily habits. Today, medical professionals in Davao City are seeing a dramatic shift. Children as young as 12 years old are increasingly showing signs of Type 2 diabetes, a condition long associated with middle age and adulthood.

Dr. Gener Rubio Jr., an internal medicine and diabetology specialist at San Pedro Hospital, emphasized the urgency of shifting public perception during a Department of Health (DOH) media briefing ahead of World Diabetes Day.

“We should be aware, hindi na siya cute and tambok, but they are really high risk for developing diabetes in the future,” Dr. Rubio warned, cautioning parents against dismissing early weight gain in growing adolescents.

The statistics reflect a broader challenge across the country. Over 4.7 million adults in the Philippines currently live with diabetes, making it the nation’s fifth leading cause of death. Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 40 percent of individuals with diabetes remain undiagnosed—a gap that is often wider in semi-urban and rural areas outside major city centers.

Knowing the Risk Factors and Warning Signs

While national health guidelines generally recommend routine blood sugar tests starting at age 40, experts stress that young people should not wait if key risk factors are present. Children who are overweight, lead largely sedentary lives, or have a family history of diabetes are advised to undergo screening early.

Community Support: Free Care at Your Local Health Center

Addressing pediatric and community diabetes requires accessible local care, particularly as festive holiday seasons approach, when sweet treats and heavy meals become common.

DOH officials note that lifestyle habits—rather than socioeconomic status alone—remain the primary driver behind rising cases. To ensure care reaches every neighborhood, public health networks are actively expanding local services:

·   Barangay Level Screening: DOH-deployed nurses and midwives conduct routine checks for blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol right at local health centers.

·   Free Consultations & Medicine: Davao City’s City Health Office hosts weekly Diabetes and Heart Day programs every Friday across local health centers, offering free doctor consultations, nutrition counseling, diagnostic tests, foot care, and prescribed medications.

·   Expanded Coverage: Through programs like Yakap, essential diagnostic tests and long-term diabetes medications are fully covered once residents enroll at participating government health facilities.

Catching metabolic changes early allows families to make manageable, positive adjustments long before complications arise. By keeping children active, choosing balanced meals, and taking advantage of free barangay health screenings, communities can work together to protect the next generation’s health.