Diabetes
Understanding, preventing, and managing diabetes.
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.
The Basics
How the body processes 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.
Type 1 diabetes
An autoimmune reaction where the body stops making insulin entirely. It is generally diagnosed in younger individuals.
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.
Gestational diabetes
Develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes, increasing the future risk for type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes
Blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a type 2 diagnosis.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Recognizing the signs.
Early detection is crucial for managing diabetes effectively and preventing long-term complications. Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience:
​
-
Frequent urination, especially at night
-
Excessive thirst or hunger
-
Unexplained weight loss
-
Blurry vision or chronic fatigue
-
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
-
Cuts or sores that heal unusually slowly
​
Doctors typically use a few simple blood tests, such as the A1C test — which measures your average blood sugar over the past two to three months — or a fasting blood sugar test. These tests are routine, quick, and the best way to know your status.
37.3M
Total people affected — 11.3% of the U.S.
28.7M
Diagnosed cases
8.5M
Undiagnosed cases
Risk Factors
Know your personal risk.
Hispanics are more likely to develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanics. 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
Prevention & Management
A diagnosis is not the end of the road.
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
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 affect your blood sugar levels and overall cardiovascular health.
Let's Prevent Diabetes
A year-long program, led by your neighbors.
The Alliance's Let's Prevent Diabetes / Prevengamos la diabetes program is part of a national CDC initiative (PreventT2) that promotes modest weight loss and increased physical activity through a 12-month lifestyle change program. Trained community health workers and promotores de salud serve as Lifestyle Coaches and lead local, culturally relevant workshops in group settings.
Community reach
Forty local promotores de salud trained 4,813 community participants at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
Proven results
The average participant lost 5.23% of their body weight, significantly lowering their risk.
Completion
Over 55.35% of participants successfully completed the year-long program (2017–2023).
Diabetes Se Puede Controlar
Take control today.
To respond directly to community needs, we launched "Diabetes Se Puede Controlar" (Diabetes Can Be Controlled) — a free webinar series in English and Spanish that informs and engages individuals with actionable knowledge.
For additional information, see the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program.