Diabetes Fiesta ... a Success!

“Diabetes Fiesta” 2004 was held Saturday, April 24th at Sun Valley Mall, in Harlingen and more than 400 free screenings took place. The event included free glucose screenings, foot screenings, eye screenings, blood pressure checks, and door prizes.

Diabetes patients and family members learned more about managing the disease.  The event was sponsored by the Diabetes Education Center at Valley Baptist Medical Center and the American Diabetes Association.

Community outreach events such as these are especially important in the Valley, since this area is considered a “high risk” area for diabetes. Diabetes is more common in Hispanics than in any other ethnic group. Mexican Americans in South Texas are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes as Mexicans living in Mexico City.

Of Hispanics over the age of 45, one in four has diabetes. The diabetes rate is higher in Hispanic women than it is among men, though it is also high in Hispanic men. In addition, there has been an increase in diabetes being diagnosed in Valley children ages 12 to 14.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into the energy needed for life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, appear to be factors. A person’s risk for diabetes increases with age, weight, and inactivity.

Diabetes has been called a “silent disease” and many people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms. Those who notice symptoms -- such as being very thirsty, urinating often, or losing weight without trying -- should consult their physician immediately.

Diabetes can be a devastating disease especially for Hispanics, because many Hispanics lack health insurance and medical care, and thus the disease is often not diagnosed until it is in the late stages. When diabetes isn’t properly managed, it can lead to complications such as blindness; heart disease; kidney disease; and amputations, including amputations of the foot, which can make a person disabled and unable to work. For more information on diabetes management, consult your physician.  

For more information on our Diabetes Education Center, call toll-free at 1-888-420-7411.