DHR Health

The Rio Grande Valley has one of the highest diabetes rates in the country. One reason is that many people are so afraid of a diabetes diagnosis and the stigma surrounding the disease that they don't get checked. So they live with undiagnosed diabetes and don't manage their illness. Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to dangerously high levels of blood sugar. When those levels are not kept under control, diabetes can bring long-term complications such as heart disease, heart attack, stroke, amputations, loss of vision, and kidney disease. Diabetes management usually includes both medication and lifestyle changes. "Even though diabetes is a chronic disease, there's a lot a patient can do," said Dr. Jose Llinas-Cepeda, endocrinologist at the DHR Health Diabetes and Endocrinolog y Institute. " You can see your diagnosis as an opportunity to change your lifestyle. You can change the way you treat your body: Make better choices when it comes to nutrition, exercise 30 minutes at least five times a week, and monitor your carbohydrate intake." The same healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent diabetes from ever occurring. At DHR, we offer our patients the tools to make lifestyle modifications so they can live a better life. " We connect our diabetes patients with our nutritionists and educators, so they know exactly what they need to do," Dr. Llinas-Cepeda said. " The earlier diabetes is under control, the lower the risk of complications. People with diabetes can have a normal life, as long as they are ver y compliant with their medication, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and follow their doctor's instructions." IF YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. WE'LL HELP YOU MANAGE IT SO YOU CAN ENJOY A FULL LIFE. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EXTENSIVE DIABETES AND ENDOCRINOLOGY RESOURCES AT (956) 362-5650. DIABETES: AWARENESS IS THE FIRST STEP STEP TO PREVENTION Know Your Diabetes Risk DHR Health is raising awareness of this disease by inviting people to get screened for diabetes and educating patients about preventing and managing diabetes. Some people are at higher risk for diabetes, such as Hispanics and African-Americans, individuals who have a family history of diabetes, people who are overweight or obese, women who suffer polycystic ovary syndrome, and women with a history of gestational diabetes. "If you are in one of those groups, you should have a screening test every year to rule out diabetes," Dr. José Llinas-Cepeda said. "Even if you are not at higher risk, if you suspect you have diabetes, ask your family doctor about testing." DR. JOSE LLINAS-CEPEDA, ENDOCRINOLOGIST, DHR HEALTH DIABETES AND ENDOCRINOLOGY INSTITUTE, WITH A PATIENT DR. JOSE LLINAS-CEPEDA, ENDOCRINÓLOGO, DHR HEALTH DIABETES AND ENDOCRINOLOGY INSTITUTE, CON UNA PACIENTE 4 | DHR Health

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