Understanding, Preventing, and Managing Diabetes
Empowering you with science-based knowledge, actionable resources, and expert-led support. Whether you are newly diagnosed, seeking prevention, or looking to protect your family, you are in the right place.
What is Diabetes?
Learning about diabetes can feel overwhelming, but understanding the fundamentals is the most powerful step you can take for your health.
How Does the Body Process Sugar?
When you eat, your body breaks down most of your food into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. Your pancreas then releases a hormone called insulin, which acts like a key, allowing that blood sugar to enter your body’s cells to be used for energy. When you have diabetes, this process is disrupted.
What are the Main Types of Diabetes?
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Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune reaction where the body stops making insulin entirely. It is generally diagnosed in younger individuals.
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Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form. Your body doesn’t use insulin well and cannot keep blood sugar at normal levels. It often develops over many years.
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Gestational Diabetes: Develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes, increasing the future risk for type 2 diabetes.
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Prediabetes: Blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a type 2 diagnosis.
Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms & Diagnosis
Early detection is crucial for managing diabetes effectively and preventing long-term complications.
Common Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience:
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Frequent urination, especially at night.
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Excessive thirst or hunger.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Blurry vision or chronic fatigue.
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Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
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Cuts or sores that heal unusually slowly.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Doctors typically use a few simple blood tests, such as the A1C test (which measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months) or a Fasting Blood Sugar test. These tests are routine, quick, and the best way to know your status.
Risk Factors
Hispanics are more likely to develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanics. Understanding the scale of the issue and your personal risk factors helps us build stronger, healthier communities.
You may have prediabetes and be at risk for type 2 diabetes if you are:
45+ Years Old
Overweight
Have a Family History
Had Diabetes While Pregnant
The Scope of Diabetes in the U.S.
37.3 M
Total People Affected (11.3% of U.S.)
28.7 M
Diagnosed Cases
8.5 M
Undiagnosed Cases
Type 2 Diabetes: Prevention and Management
A diagnosis is not the end of the road. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, diabetes can be effectively managed.
Culturally Competent Nutrition
Managing your diet does not mean abandoning your cultural foods. It involves learning portion control, understanding how carbohydrates affect your blood sugar, and making healthier substitutions while still enjoying the meals that matter to your family.
Physical Activity and Lifestyle Changes
Regular physical activity helps your body use insulin better. You don't need to run a marathon; a brisk walk, dancing, or swimming for 30 minutes most days of the week can profoundly impact your blood sugar levels and overall cardiovascular health.
The Let's Prevent Diabetes Program
The Alliance’s Let’s Prevent Diabetes/Prevengamos la diabetes program is part of a national CDC initiative (PreventT2) that promotes modest weight loss (5% - 7%) and increased physical activity through a 12-month lifestyle change program. Trained community health workers/promotores de salud serve as Lifestyle Coaches and lead local and culturally relevant PreventT2 workshops in group settings.
Let’s Prevent Diabetes Program (2017 - 2023): Success & Institutional Proof
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Community Reach: Forty local promotores de salud trained 4,813 community participants at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
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Proven Health Results: The average participant lost 5.23% of their body weight, significantly lowering their risk.
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Commitment & Completion: Over 55.35% of participants successfully completed the year-long program.
For additional information, please visit National Diabetes Prevention Program | National Diabetes Prevention Program | CDC
Want to Learn More, Have Questions, or Need a Local Health Provider?
Call the National Alliance for Hispanic Health’s Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline (toll-free).
Available for free, reliable and confidential information in Spanish and English.