SE Texas Times

Every November, Diabetes Awareness Month aims to highlight the impact of diabetes on millions of Americans. The American Diabetes Association reports that 38.4 million Americans have diabetes, with approximately 3 million cases in Texas alone. An additional 97.6 million people are considered pre-diabetic, a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet at diabetic levels.

Diabetes Awareness Month seeks to educate the public about diabetes, which is categorized into two types. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10% of all cases and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults when the body stops producing insulin. Its exact cause remains unknown but may involve genetics and immune system disorders affecting insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar closely and take daily insulin.

Type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form, develops over time as the body becomes resistant to insulin, hindering its proper use. While there is no cure for diabetes, Type 2 can be managed or sometimes prevented through medication, healthy eating habits, reducing tobacco use, and regular exercise.

For more information on managing or preventing diabetes, individuals can visit resources like the American Diabetes Association or the Texas Department of State Health Services.

State Representative Todd Hunter encourages constituents with questions about this topic or any Texas state agency matters to contact his office at any time for assistance.

"Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County." He can be reached via email at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or by phone at 512-463-0672.