Diabetes

In the United States 8% of the population suffers from diabetes, while in Bexar County an astonishing 17% of the population suffers from the disease. This high incidence rate is extremely burdensome on Bexar County families, hospitals, and tax payers. The U.S. surgeon general suggests that seventy-five cents of every dollar spent on healthcare is spent on preventable diseases like diabetes. Just lowering the percentage of the population with diabetes back to the national average would save the County over $100,000,000. Prevention is the key to healthy citizens and a healthy County budget.

Bexar County has six community health centers providing primary care services, as well as the Texas Diabetes Institute, a world-class diabetes research and treatment facility. These institutions are partnering with local schools and communities to provide free screenings and classes on nutrition, weight loss, and physical fitness. The Metropolitan Health District and the San Antonio Restaurant Association have collaborated on a program aimed at providing parents healthy options for their children at local restaurants. As a part of this pilot project, participating restaurants offer and clearly label kids menu choices that are low in saturated fat, calories, and sugar.

In addition, we must make sure our treatment facilities continue to incorporate the self management programs the Diabetes Initiative recommends. The Diabetes Initiative recognizes that people usually only see a doctor a few hours out of the year, and must be able to independently manage the disease. Our healthcare institutions can support self-management by scheduling routine contacts with individuals, assisting in goal-setting, providing counseling services, and strengthening partnerships with community organizations and resources.

University Center for Community Health