Diabetes Affects More Than One in Five Maverick County Adults
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
An estimated 8,900 adults in Maverick County have diagnosed diabetes, underscoring a significant public health challenge as November marks American Diabetes Month.
An April 2026 report from the Texas Department of State Health Services placed Maverick County’s adult diabetes prevalence at 22.1 percent, or more than one in five adults. The county ranked second statewide and first within the report’s Texas border region.
The estimated number reflects diagnosed diabetes. The total number of residents affected could be higher because additional people may be living with the disease without knowing it.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 40.1 million Americans had diabetes, including approximately 11 million who had not been diagnosed. More than one in four adults with diabetes nationwide were unaware they had the condition, highlighting the importance of screening and early detection.
For Maverick County families, those figures represent a disease that requires ongoing attention, access to medical care and an understanding of how daily habits affect blood sugar.
Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it effectively. Insulin helps the body use blood sugar for energy. When blood sugar remains elevated, it can lead to serious complications involving the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly, sometimes without noticeable symptoms. Some people live with the condition for years before receiving a diagnosis, while others learn they have diabetes after developing related health problems.
American Diabetes Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about those risks and encourage residents to speak with their healthcare providers about testing. Early detection and treatment can help prevent or delay complications and give patients the information they need to manage their health.
Locally, Maverick County Hospital District offers diabetes education to help residents understand their condition and develop practical habits involving nutrition, physical activity, weight management and blood sugar control.
The program also helps patients understand medications and treatment plans, with an emphasis on preventing complications and supporting long-term health. Services are available to people recently diagnosed, those needing help managing diabetes and individuals seeking guidance about their risk.
Residents seeking information about diabetes, testing or available services can consult their physician or contact Maverick County Hospital District at (830) 757-4900.
