Diabetes Management in the Rio Grande Valley: What You Need to Know

If you live in the Rio Grande Valley, chances are you know someone affected by diabetes. Maybe it is a parent, a neighbor, or even yourself. This disease touches nearly every family in the region. It is one of the most serious health challenges facing South Texas today, and understanding it better is the first step toward taking control.

In this post, we will break down the numbers behind diabetes in the Valley, walk through the warning signs you should not ignore, explain how working with an internist can help, and share practical tips for eating well without giving up the foods you love.

The Prevalence of Diabetes in South Texas

The numbers are hard to ignore. According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, roughly 30.7% of adults in the Lower Rio Grande Valley have diabetes. That is nearly three times the national average of around 12.3%. Let that sink in for a moment.

A study comparing Rio Grande Valley data to national averages from 2012 to 2022 found that diabetes affected about 44% of Medicare patients in the RGV, compared to roughly 27% nationwide. Obesity rates were also much higher. Emergency room visits related to diabetes happened at almost double the national rate.

Why is diabetes so common here? Several factors play a role. Poverty limits access to healthy food and medical care. Many residents lack health insurance. The region is considered medically underserved, meaning there are not enough doctors and clinics for the number of people who need them. Genetics also matter, as Hispanic populations face a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Perhaps the most alarming part is that many people are walking around with diabetes and do not realize it. Without a diagnosis, the disease progresses silently. It damages blood vessels, nerves, and organs over time.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors for Diabetes

Diabetes does not always announce itself with obvious symptoms. Sometimes the signs creep in slowly, and people brush them off as normal aging or stress. Knowing what to watch for can make all the difference.

Common Warning Signs of Diabetes

You should pay attention if you notice any of these changes in your body. Feeling thirsty all the time, even after drinking water, is a classic sign. Needing to use the bathroom much more often, especially at night, is another red flag. Blurry vision that comes and goes, cuts or wounds that take forever to heal, and tingling or numbness in your hands or feet are all worth mentioning to your doctor.

Feeling tired no matter how much sleep you get is another symptom that people tend to ignore. So is losing weight without trying. These signs do not always mean diabetes, but they are worth checking out.

Risk Factors That Increase Your Chances

Some risk factors are things you can change. Others are not. Being overweight is one of the biggest risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Having a family history of the disease also raises your risk. If your mother, father, or sibling has diabetes, you are more likely to develop it too.

Age plays a role as well. Your risk goes up after 45, though younger people can get it too. Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at higher risk later in life. Living a sedentary lifestyle, eating a diet high in processed foods and sugar, and having high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels are all contributing factors.

For those living in the Rio Grande Valley, the combination of these risk factors is especially concerning. High rates of obesity, limited access to healthcare, and cultural dietary habits all come together to create a perfect storm for diabetes.Giraldo Internal Medicine: Your Partner in Health in McAllen, TX

How an Internist Helps Manage Diabetes

You might be wondering what type of doctor to see for diabetes. While your family doctor can help, an internist is often the best choice for ongoing management. An internist is a doctor who specializes in adult medicine, with deep training in diagnosing and treating complex conditions like diabetes.

What Does an Internist Do for Diabetes Patients?

An internist will start with a full picture of your health. This means blood tests, checking your A1C levels, reviewing your medications, and looking at how diabetes might be affecting other parts of your body. They do not just treat the blood sugar number. They treat the whole person.

Your internist will work with you to build a care plan that fits your life. That could mean adjusting your medication, setting realistic goals for blood sugar control, or coordinating with other specialists if you need eye exams, kidney tests, or foot care. They are your main point of contact for managing the disease long term.

Regular visits with an internist make a real difference. Diabetes is a condition that changes over time. What works today might not work next year. Having a doctor who knows your history and tracks your progress means problems get caught early, before they turn into emergencies.

Why It Matters: In the RGV, diabetes patients face emergency room visit rates nearly double the national average. Regular care with an internist helps prevent those costly and dangerous ER trips.

If you have not seen a doctor about your blood sugar in a while, now is the time. Early and consistent care is the best tool we have against the complications of diabetes.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Diabetes Using Local Cuisine

Here is the good news. Managing diabetes does not mean you have to give up the food you grew up with. It means learning how to enjoy it in smarter ways. The traditional foods of South Texas are full of flavor, and with a few simple changes, they can be part of a healthy eating plan.

Smart Swaps for Everyday Valley Meals

Start with tortillas. Corn tortillas are generally a better choice than flour because they have less fat and fewer carbs. If you love flour tortillas, try using smaller ones or eating just one instead of two. It is a small change that adds up over time.

Beans are your friend. Frijoles are packed with fiber and protein, which help keep your blood sugar steady. Go easy on the lard or oil when preparing them. Try cooking them with a little olive oil instead, or make a pot of frijoles de la olla without added fat.

For carne asada and grilled meats, choose leaner cuts and watch your portion sizes. A portion of meat should be about the size of your palm. Fill the rest of your plate with grilled vegetables, a side of beans, and a small helping of rice.

Watch What You Drink

Sugary drinks are one of the biggest hidden dangers for people with diabetes. A single glass of horchata, a large agua fresca, or a Big Red can have more sugar than you should have in an entire day. Try making agua fresca at home with less sugar, or switch to water with lime or cucumber. Unsweetened iced tea is another great option.

Simple Lifestyle Changes That Help

You do not need a gym membership to get moving. Walking is one of the best things you can do. Try walking for 20 to 30 minutes after dinner. Take a trip around the neighborhood or visit a local park. Bring a friend or a family member. It is easier to stick with it when you have company.

Sleep matters too. Poor sleep messes with your blood sugar levels and makes it harder to make healthy choices during the day. Aim for seven to eight hours a night. Stress management is also important. Find something that helps you unwind, whether that is spending time with family, listening to music, or sitting outside in the evening.

Take the Next Step for Your Health in the Rio Grande Valley

Diabetes is a serious problem in the Rio Grande Valley, but it does not have to define your future. Early screening, regular visits with an internist, and small changes to your diet and lifestyle can make a real difference. You do not have to do it all at once. Pick one thing from this post and start there.

If you or someone in your family is living with diabetes or prediabetes, talk to an internist who understands the unique health challenges of our community. The right doctor will meet you where you are and help you build a plan that works for your life.

Your health is worth it. And so are you.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Don't wait to take charge of your health. An internal medicine doctor is your essential partner in maintaining long-term wellness.

Schedule your appointment with one of our experienced internal medicine doctors in McAllen. Click here to book online or call (956) 668-0974.

References

The data and statistics referenced in this article are drawn from the following sources. The 30.7% adult diabetes prevalence figure for the Lower Rio Grande Valley comes from community-wide screenings reported by Millard AV, Graham MA, Mier N, et al. in "Diabetes Screening and Prevention in a High-Risk, Medically Isolated Border Community," published in Frontiers in Public Health (2017; 5:135), which built on earlier findings from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort study by Fisher-Hoch SP, Vatcheva KP, Laing ST, et al., published in "Missed Opportunities for Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes, Hypertension, and Hypercholesterolemia in a Mexican American Population, Cameron County Hispanic Cohort, 2003-2008," in Preventing Chronic Disease (2012; 9:110298). Updated figures comparing diabetes rates in the Rio Grande Valley to national averages from 2012 to 2022 are sourced from Garza G, Trevino M, Serna S, et al., "Burden of Diabetes Mellitus in the Medically Underserved Rio Grande Valley," published in Cureus (2024; 16(9):e70104). Regional health data and obesity statistics were also referenced from UTHealth Houston and the South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, as reported by the Texas Tribune in January 2025. Additional context on community screening efforts and diabetes education was drawn from reporting by South Texas College, South Texas Health System, and Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville.