Did you know that Hispanic adults are almost twice as likely to have diabetes compared to non-Hispanic white adults? These alarming statistics highlight the need for awareness, prevention, and management of this health condition within our community.

Making healthy choices is imperative in lowering the risk for type 2 diabetes and maintaining the strength of your community — especially in Arizona where, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services, one in nine Arizonans have diabetes.

“We have the power to protect our families and communities from diabetes,” said Luis Raygoza, healthy aging program manager at the Phoenix CPLC senior center. “Hold the people around you accountable to get tested, eat well, and stay active, especially during National Diabetes Month.”

Consider this post your call to action to encourage your loved ones to get tested for diabetes, no matter how healthy they may think they are. Some people are diagnosed with prediabetes, which means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for type 2 diabetes. There are four main ways to lower the risk and possibly reverse prediabetes.

Stay active. Physical Activity is where it all starts. It is recommended that your family participate in 2.5 hours of aerobic activity per week. This will help your physical shape and endurance, along with improving your overall mood and mental health as well.

See your doctor. Visiting your medical practitioner is second. Make sure to get tested for diabetes regularly. The American Diabetes Association recommends that everyone should be screened every three years once they reach the age of 45. Chicanos Por La Causa offers services to help you connect with health care providers.

Watch your diet. Lastly, your family’s diet is essential to preventing diabetes. The National Institutes of Health explains it simply, “Research shows you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by losing weight by following a low-fat, reduced-calorie eating plan and by being more active.”

Although November is officially when National Diabetes Month is celebrated, CPLC wants to remind you that taking the necessary four steps outlined above are a message that should be shared throughout the year.