Paso Del Norte Health Foundation

Could you have diabetes? Take the Free Online Risk Test

November 17, 2023 by Audrey Garcia

Let’s face the facts. In El Paso, the prevalence of diabetes outpaces the national average of 11.3 percent, with 15 percent 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.
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 January 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

Audrey Garcia

Audrey brings more than 15 years in project management, consumer engagement and marketing strategy with a focus on health promotion and growing community relationships and communication strategies. As program officer, she will be responsible for some of the Health Foundation’s programs and initiatives. Most recently, she has dedicated her career to local healthcare marketing for The Hospitals of Providence and El Paso Children’s Hospital. This has given her the unique opportunity to understand population health and health behavior.

Audrey has a Bachelor of Organizational and Corporate Communications from The University of Texas at El Paso. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and reading Chicano Literature novels.

Diabetes

PDNHF Initiative: Diabetes

Develop, lead, and fund organizational and systems improvements, evidence-based programs, and awareness activities for diabetes prevention, early detection, and management.

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