Amig@s, let’s talk about diabetes.

Imagine watching a loved one suffer from diabetes because they couldn’t access healthcare.

This is NOT hypothetical.

It’s the daily reality in Hispanic communities across America.

Our community faces a 50% higher diabetes risk compared to non-Hispanic whites.

Behind these numbers are our abuelas who can NOT enjoy traditional family meals.

Even our children learning about blood sugar levels when they should be playing.

So, by making healthcare more accessible and supporting each other through lifestyle adjustments.

We can protect our families, so today, I want to touch on “killer” topic.

Let’s taco ’bout DIABETES.

Three Insights 🌶️

Here is a real story you possibly do not know anything about, and that is the main reason I’m here ;)

Living in my Hispanic community, I’ve seen firsthand how diabetes hits us differently.

Something that is just about our genes.

Many of my friends and family members work jobs that do NOT offer health insurance, making it tough to catch health issues early.

I remember a family member putting off doctor visits because she could NOT understand medical forms, and when she got help, diabetes had made her life impossible.

The barriers we face go way deeper than just biology.

It’s about having real access to healthcare and understanding the information we need.

Do you know what’s really, really close to my heart?

I want you to guess, yes, our food culture.

Nothing beats gathering around the table for abuela’s arroz con pollo or fresh tortillas hot off the comal for my Mexican friends.

But here is the deal.

I’ve learned the hard way that some of our favorite dishes can make diabetes tricky to manage.

Still, I don’t think we need to give up our traditional foods completely.

It’s more about finding smart ways to adapt.

Before I gave up on eating rice, I started eating brown rice and cutting back on sugary drinks at all gatherings.

These small changes did NOT feel like I was losing our culture, but they made a real difference.

The truth.

This is about working with our traditions, not against them.

The money side of diabetes?

That’s something we do NOT talk about enough.

Trust me, not even you, who have already been in healthcare for a very long time.

Here is this.

Between the medications, doctor appointments, and taking time off work for health issues, it really puts a strain on families.

My friend Juan does NOT have insurance, and watching him juggle diabetes care with putting food on the table for his kids is heartbreaking. (True story).

In reality.

We need more affordable health programs in our neighborhoods and doctors who understand our community’s needs.

I’m serious because I personally have seen how much it helps when people can get care without breaking the bank.

It literally changes lives.

The financial burden is NOT just about medical bills.

It’s about the whole picture of trying to stay healthy while keeping your family afloat.

Two Actionable Steps 🌮

Let me tell you about what I’ve seen work.

I have been in New Mexico this week, helping open a medical practice.

And while driving around the city.

I checked a place where I thought promotoras de salud gathered to help Hispanics.

I was right.

After all, I have been doing this for a very long time.

Anyways, in this location.

I noticed, once again, how a local community center partnered with a church to bring health screenings.

Of course.

This will benefit my community in a very well-suited manner that potentially makes the health services a powerhouse.

Now, here is this.

This was NOT about taking blood sugar readings.

It was about building relationships that made people want to take care of themselves.

Learn and apply is all I can say here.

Here is what I’ve seen make real changes in our community’s approach to diabetes care.

Take Los Martinez.

I’ve known them since my childhood days in Colombia, and what they’ve accomplished is crazy.

Yes, I said, crazy.

They took a bold step by hiring a health coach specializing in diabetes management.

At first, I thought this was an unusual move, but watching their transformation has been inspiring.

They’ve truly embodied what it truly means to make healthy living feel like home.

Through their journey.

They’ve shown our community that wellness does NOT have to feel uncomfortable.

Their dedication to adapting their lifestyle while preserving their cultural identity has set an amazing example.

The result?

They’re enjoying their favorite traditional dishes while successfully managing their health.

All by proving that you do NOT have to choose between your culture and your well-being. They’ve made “healthy living” more than just a phrase.

They’ve made it their way of life.

One Piece of Advice 💃

Ay caramba.

Working with Hispanics dealing with diabetes reminds me of my grandmother’s secret to making the perfect bandeja paisa.

You can NOT rush the process.

Adding all the ingredients at once would ruin the dish, right?

Same goes for helping people understand diabetes.

I’ve watched healthcare providers try to dump all the information in one visit, and guess what?

They are nuts because it does not work this way with Hispanics; the only thing that this does is overwhelm my people.

Instead.

I’ve seen the best results when we take it slow, like adding spices one at a time.

So what should you do?

Let each piece of advice sink in, let people practice small changes, and then build on their success.

Why is this the best way to follow?

To be honest.

I do not know, but it is common sense that helping people manage diabetes is NOT about speed but patience and understanding.

Like any good recipe, the results are worth the wait.

Hasta la vista, amigos ✌🏽

Let’s taco ‘bout this edition