Diabetes in El Paso outpaces national average of 11.3% with 15%: Audrey Garcia

Audrey Garcia
·2 min read
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Let's face the facts. In El Paso, the prevalence of diabetes outpaces the national average of 11.3%, with 15% of El Paso adults living with diabetes.

A recent study using data from PHIX, the Paso del Norte Health Information Exchange, shared that Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes rates are significantly higher in the older neighborhoods along the El Paso border with Mexico, running from central El Paso to Socorro, Ysleta del Sur, San Elizario, Fabens, and Tornillo. The data set used by PHIX also revealed that among those aged 65 and older, 37% have diabetes.

Type 2 diabeites and prediabetes diagnoses, El Paso County.
Type 2 diabeites and prediabetes diagnoses, El Paso County.

For this analysis, PHIX pulled data from regional partners. The study population included 100,811 people 18 years and older diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes between Jan. 1, 2021 and May 31, 2023.

In observance of November being designated as National Diabetes Awareness Month, the El Paso Center for Diabetes and Diabetes Alliance are encouraging everyone in El Paso to complete the free online diabetes risk test at www.diabetesnowwhat.org. Risk factors for diabetes can include genetics, lifestyle choices, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, and more. Raising awareness about these risk factors and how to mitigate them is crucial in preventing diabetes and managing the condition for those with it.

The Diabetes Now What website also provides great resources for locating the best diabetes program for you or a family member.  Programs such as Project Vybe at the Texas A&M Colonias Program train community health workers to be diabetes education coaches and serve more rural communities. Organizations such as Project Vida and New Mexico State University Extension offer diabetes prevention classes.  For those already diagnosed with diabetes, the El Paso Center for Diabetes and other agencies provide diabetes self-management education and free A1C tests.

If you or someone you know wants to connect with the diabetes community, consider visiting The Diabetes Now What website. A collection of educational tips, videos, and support groups will help individuals find ways to manage diabetes effectively, whether they’re newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years.

For more information, visit diabetesnowwhat.org.

Audrey Garcia is program officer for the Paso del Norte Health Foundation.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 15% of El Paso adults live with diabetes: Audrey Garcia