Charantia (Ampalaya)

The first Charantia 30-Day Challenge was launched last April 2007 targeting the diabetics at the Manila Adventist Medical Center (MAMC) in Pasay City. Twenty-seven diabetics belonging to the hospital’s diabetic club faced the challenge. They came from all walks of life, from labor to management, and with age ranging from 32 to 82 years old. Many participants admitted to lowering their blood sugar into the four weeks of trying the program’s healthy lifestyle plan.

After one month, the participants had varied degrees of improvement. Efren Caagbay, a maintenance worker, had the best average blood sugar rating. He started the Charantia 30-Day Challenge, with his blood sugar at 125 mg/dl. Five weeks into the Challenge, Efren’s blood sugar level was averaging at about 92 mg/dl, a perfect normal level. Interestingly, Efren only realized he is diabetic after undergoing the FBS screening on the program’s first day. Similarly, Lemuel Ortillano, a photographer, achieved good average ratings. He started at 132 mg/dl, but was able to average at 103 mg/dl during the Challenge.

Even after the Charantia 30-Day Challenge, the participants were encouraged to continue the healthy lifestyle.

“We want to invite even diabetics who are not part of our event to take their personal Charantia 30-Day Challenge,” Ernest De Jesus said. “Just remember our three keys to a healthy lifestyle, which are, eat right, exercise regularly and take Charantia 30-Day Challenge every after meal to fortify your diet.”