According to the El Paso Center for Diabetes, an estimated 9.4 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, making it the seventh leading cause of death. In El Paso, the prevalence of diabetes outpaces the national numbers, with 15 percent of El Paso adults living with diabetes. Over time, diabetes can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, foot problems, and the need for kidney dialysis, and be an immediate greater risk with co-occurring threats like COVID-19.
While there is not yet a cure for diabetes, proper weight, healthy eating, active living, medication management, and stress reduction can help prevent and reduce the negative effects of a diabetes diagnosis. Yet, we know that these lifestyle changes and obtaining proper medical care are not easy.
These are just some of the reasons the Paso del Norte Health Foundation has launched a coordinated and comprehensive effort aimed at preventing and managing diabetes. Working with the Center for Diabetes and Diabetes Alliance, we have launched the Diabetes Now What? health communication campaign.
When diagnosed with pre-diabetes, Type 2, Type 1, or gestational diabetes, a common question one may ask is, “Now What?” The purpose of this campaign is to help find the tools people need to manage their diabetes.
“The campaign aims to assist people newly diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes access informative resources and locate a diabetes education class through a user-friendly website,” Dr. Michael Kelly, vice president of programs for the Paso del Norte Health Foundation said.
“One of the major goals is to provide a centralized site with diabetes resources,” Kelly said. “Diabetes Now What? has tip sheets, recipes, videos, and more in English and Spanish.”
Part of the success of the Diabetes Now What? campaign is the Diabetes Alliance, which is comprised of local health organizations to include Sun City Dietitians, The University of Texas at El Paso, University Medical Center of El Paso, Project Vida, Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, NMSU On the Road, City of El Paso Department of Public Health, El Paso Children’s Hospital, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and many others, that work to improve the care provided to people with diabetes.
“We invite organizations that offer diabetes education and resources to join in this fast-moving initiative as a partner with the Diabetes Alliance,” said Sandra Gonzalez, executive director for the El Paso Center for Diabetes.
“During Diabetes Awareness Month one of our goals was to celebrate and recognize Diabetes Champions,” Gonzalez said. “Individuals such as Charles de Wetter, Dr. Sarah Ruiz and businesses like Vista Markets, The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso, Macy’s and Walgreens were recognized for their commitment to diabetes prevention, detection, or management.”
“Another great way we are bringing awareness to the community is partnering with the Outlet Shoppes at El Paso to unveil a mural that promotes and brings awareness to diabetes. Muralists can submit their concepts by Jan. 6. The unveiling will take place in March 2023,” Gonzalez said.
To learn more about Diabetes Now What visit www.diabetesnowwhat.org, or call the El Paso Center for Diabetes at 915-532-6280.
Audrey Garcia is program officer for the Paso del Norte Health Foundation.
