�LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED DIABETIC INDIVIDUALS AT STO.CRISTO SAN ISIDRO, NUEVA ECIJA IN DRINKING OKRA WATER�

Abstract

Diabetes is a serious condition in which blood glucose levels are too high or when the body cannot produce insulin. Okra water contains many vitamins and minerals that may help diabetic individuals lower their blood sugar levels. The researchers aim to present a possible alternative medicine that is low-cost and can be planted. This study focuses on the lived experiences of selected diabetic individuals who drink okra water as an alternative medicine. The researchers used phenomenology as a qualitative research approach. The participants were diabetic individuals from Sto. Cristo, Nueva Ecija. Semi-structured interviews, audio recordings, and face-to-face interviews were utilized in this study. Lastly, the researchers used the snowball sampling technique to locate the participants. The majority of the participants ranged from 50 to 60 years old, comprising 50% of the sample. Most of the participants had Type 1 diabetes. The study also identified the reasons why diabetic individuals drink okra water, such as its low cost and recommendations from others. Furthermore, the experiences reported included lowered blood sugar levels, normalized digestion, and an unpleasant taste. Lastly, the participants provided recommendations for diabetic individuals, including the regular consumption of okra water. The selected diabetic individuals started drinking okra water because it is low-cost and was recommended by others. The findings also indicated that drinking okra water is effective, particularly in lowering and maintaining blood sugar levels. Additionally, some participants reported experiencing improved digestion when drinking okra water, although it has an unpleasant taste. Lastly, regular consumption of okra water was recommended.