Learn more about diabetes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that one out of every three U.S. adults will have diabetes by 2050. In El Paso County, the diabetes prevalence rate is higher than the state and national average, with 15.3% of the population in El Paso living with diabetes compared to 12.3% in Texas and 11.6% in the US. The CDC also reports that approximately 1.2 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed among adults aged 18 and above annually in the United States.

Prediabetes

While something with the word “pre” sounds harmless, without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become Type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, people with prediabetes can make lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Studies from the American College of Sports Medicine show that a person can lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by losing 5 %–7 % of their body weight and exercising 150 minutes a week.

Prediabetes does not have clear symptoms and therefore can be hard to detect. Most often, diabetes is first discovered during a routine wellness check, but if you feel you may be at risk, you can take a free diabetes risk test here.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common form of diabetes is type 2, accounting for about 90 % of all diabetes cases. In this form of diabetes, the pancreas is either unable to produce enough of the hormone insulin or doesn’t use insulin well, resulting in high blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of complications.

Type 2 diabetes most often develops in middle-aged and older adults, though it can develop at any age. Onset in adolescence is becoming more common as obesity rates rise among youth (source: NIH). There may be no symptoms at diagnosis, and the causes vary. The good news is that diabetes can be managed to prevent further complications regardless of symptom presence.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

Family history
Pre-diabetes diagnosis
Physical inactivity (fewer than 3 sessions/week)
Poor diet
Excess body weight around the waist
Hypertension or high cholesterol
History of gestational diabetes
Delivering a baby over nine pounds
Age 45 or older
Race/ethnicity (African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Click here to take a risk test

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment & Management

Lifestyle changes play an important role in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. Adding more physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and taking medication as directed can greatly reduce your risk of complications.

Diabetes can be challenging to manage, but you are not alone. There are local resources available to you, such as:

El Paso Center for Diabetes: Education and awareness programs empowering you to manage symptoms and take control of your health. Click here to learn about our programs and services.
Diabetes, Now What? A free online tool with resources, tip sheets, recipes, videos and a risk test. Visit the website
Explore more diabetes management resources in El Paso, including self-management education and prevention programs. Click here.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in individuals without prior diabetes. It often has no symptoms, so it’s important to maintain regular doctor visits and get tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors

Family history of type 2 diabetes
Obesity or overweight
Previous baby weighing over 9 pounds
Gestational diabetes in a prior pregnancy
Age 25 or older
High-risk ethnicity (Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Pacific Islander)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Gestational diabetes can lead to complications for you and your baby, including low blood glucose at birth, high birth weight, premature birth, and delivery difficulties. Talk with your doctor about the best care plan.

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the El Paso Center for Diabetes has programs available for you. Click here to learn more.

Learn more about diabetes