Watsons Expands Diabetes Support Through Pharmacist Training and Community Care Programs

A blood glucose check at a Watsons store in the Philippines costs 30 pesos. That small price sits at the center of a larger effort by the retailer to place diabetes support inside the places where people already shop for medicine.

The need is real. An estimated 4.7 million Filipino adults live with diabetes, and more than half of them have never been diagnosed. Even for those who have, a diagnosis is only the start. Managing the condition means taking prescribed medication every day, monitoring blood sugar, adjusting how one lives, and keeping up with regular checkups.

Watsons, which describes itself as the country's leading health and wellness retailer, says its answer is a six-month Diabetes Educator Program. The program gives its pharmacists specialized training in diabetes management, patient counseling, and health education. Once trained, these pharmacists are meant to serve as accessible points of contact. They help customers understand the treatments they have been prescribed, use blood glucose monitoring devices correctly, recognize early signs of diabetes, and judge when it is time to see a doctor.

Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of Diabetes Philippines, Inc., is quoted in the company's account describing what good management involves. She said it goes beyond keeping blood sugar in check. It calls for early detection, proper medication, healthy lifestyle choices, regular monitoring, and attention to blood pressure and cholesterol. Patients, she said, should understand their condition, build healthy coping habits, and work closely with their healthcare team. With knowledge, consistent self-care, and support, she said, they can reduce their risk of complications and have a better quality of life.

The company also addresses the emotional side of a lifelong condition. Patients may feel stress, frustration, or uncertainty as they balance treatment with everyday responsibilities. Watsons says that access to knowledgeable professionals who can listen, offer guidance, and encourage appropriate medical support can make a meaningful difference.

Beyond pharmacist counseling, Watsons lists a range of products and services for people with diabetes: prescription medicines, vitamins, blood glucose monitoring supplies, and specialized personal care products. Customers can use free teleconsultation services, including specialized weight management consultations, by calling +63 (2) 7919-9999. Blood glucose checks are offered in stores for 30 pesos, alongside other in-store health services.

Danilo Chiong, Managing Director of Watsons Philippines, framed the effort as a human problem as much as a clinical one. Every choice and routine in diabetes care carries daily weight, he said, and the company's role extends beyond the pharmacy shelf. He described reshaping community-based support so that expert guidance, preventive screening, and ongoing care fit into everyday life, so that no patient feels they must manage their health alone.

This account comes from the company itself and is promotional rather than independent reporting. It offers no figures on how many pharmacists have completed the program, how many customers use the screenings or teleconsultations, or whether patients' outcomes have improved. What to watch is whether pharmacist-led counseling widens access to screening and care, and whether independent data eventually shows what difference it makes.