By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 18, 2025 – Diabetes affects millions of Americans every year, but in the Rio Grande Valley, the numbers are especially alarming. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 10 adults in the United States alone has diabetes. In the Valley, that number is even higher, and for many residents, limited access to healthy food options, exercise opportunities and preventive care makes managing the disease even more challenging. 

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Dr. Martha Solis, an internal medicine doctor at UT Health RGV, says raising awareness about early detection, prevention and proper management has never been more important.

"Early detection is crucial in diabetes management because we can prevent complications of the disease if we start treatment early," she said. "If we implement treatment early on, a person can live with controlled diabetes and never suffer from its complications." 

Dr. Martha Solis, an internal medicine doctor at UT Health RGV, encourages Valley residents to recognize early warning signs, such as acanthosis nigricans (dark discoloration on the neck, armpits, or knuckles), and to make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing the disease, such as moving more and eating less. (UTRGV Photo)

KNOW THE SIGNS 

There are two main types of diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), and recognizing the type can make all the difference in treatment.  

"Type 1 diabetes happens when the body attacks the pancreas, which produces insulin," Solis said. "Without insulin, the body can't process sugar properly. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, happens when the body doesn't respond well to insulin, even though the pancreas still makes it."

Understanding which type is present determines treatment.

Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy, meaning patients must take insulin daily through injections or an insulin pump to regulate their blood sugar. Without replacement insulin, the body cannot survive.

Type 2 diabetes offers more treatment options. Many patients can manage their condition through lifestyle changes alone, such as diet and exercise, especially when caught early. Others may need oral medications that help the body use insulin more effectively or reduce sugar production. In some cases, insulin therapy may eventually become necessary. 

"The treatments are very different, which is why proper diagnosis is so important," Solis said.

While Type 1 diabetes often develops in childhood and is not preventable, Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to lifestyle factors.  

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:

• Being overweight or obese.
• Living a sedentary lifestyle.
• Having a family history of the disease. 

Solis said one of the earliest visible signs can be a dark discoloration on the neck, armpits, or knuckles, a condition known as acanthosis nigricans.

"This is an early sign of insulin resistance, which is a state that comes before diabetes," she said.

TAKING CONTROL

While diabetes can be a serious health concern, there are practical ways to prevent or delay its onset, as well as manage it effectively once diagnosed.

"The best way to prevent diabetes is to move more and eat less," she said. “Doing at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week can lower the risk. Cutting back on sodas, juices, sweets, tortillas, bread and rice can also have a significant impact."

For those already living with diabetes, Solis emphasizes that long-term control is possible with consistent care.

"Patients should follow a healthy diet, stay active, take their medications as prescribed, and follow up regularly with their doctor," she said. "Annual screenings like eye exams, foot exams, and kidney tests help us catch complications early and prevent blindness, dialysis and amputations."

In the Rio Grande Valley, diabetes rates remain among the highest in the state, a challenge rooted in both lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. 

"Many people in our community lack access to health insurance, healthy foods, or time for physical activity," Solis said. "However, we can still do a lot to help through outreach, accessible medical care and patient education."

She encourages Valley residents to take that first step toward better health, despite any challenges that may exist. 

"Even if it's something as simple as scheduling a screening, making small changes to your diet, or adding a daily walk to your routine, every action counts," she said.  

For more information on diabetes screening or to schedule an appointment with a UT Health RGV specialist, visit UTHealthRGV.org.