Maverick County Hospital District Promotes Diabetes Awareness as One in Five Adults Diagnosed
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
In an exclusive interview with the Eagle Pass Business Journal, Maverick County Hospital District Chief Executive Officer Nestor Bonilla encourages residents to prioritize diabetes prevention, early detection and proper management during National Diabetes Month in November, highlighting specialized care available locally.
The Maverick County Hospital District’s awareness effort comes as state health data shows diabetes affects more than one in five Maverick County adults.
An April 2026 presentation by the Texas Department of State Health Services estimated the county’s adult diabetes prevalence at 22.1 percent, compared with 12.9 percent statewide. Maverick County ranked second statewide and first among counties included in the presentation’s Texas border region analysis. The estimates used combined survey data from 2020 through 2024.
The county estimate exceeded the statewide figure by 9.2 percentage points. The findings reflected adults who reported that a medical professional had diagnosed them with diabetes, excluding diabetes reported only during pregnancy. They represented survey estimates rather than a count of every local patient.
Bonilla highlighted education, regular medical checkups, physical activity and nutritious food choices as important steps residents could take toward better health.
Maverick County Hospital District identified its endocrinology team as Dr. Srilekha Bodepudi, Dr. Jorge Velez Garza and Dr. Zandra Perez Cadena. The physicians provide specialized care for diabetes and other conditions involving hormones.
According to the district, Bodepudi served as the area’s only full-time endocrinologist, bringing access to specialized treatment closer to home for local patients.
The district emphasizes that awareness begins with understanding personal risk and seeking medical evaluation. Its November campaign for diabetes prevention encourages residents to schedule regular checkups and remain involved in managing their health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, type 2 diabetes can develop over several years without noticeable symptoms. Risk factors include a family history of the disease, excess weight, limited physical activity and a history of diabetes during pregnancy. Healthy eating, regular physical activity and weight management can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
In addition, many county residents, including children, have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes too. The rates of county residents diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is similarly high, but exactly what specific rate of residents were unavailable as of press time.
For residents already living with diabetes, continued treatment and monitoring can help prevent or delay serious complications. These can include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems and nerve damage. The CDC emphasizes that keeping medical appointments remained important even when patients felt well because complications could develop without early symptoms.
Bonilla’s message emphasized the role of education, prevention and access to care in addressing diabetes throughout Maverick County.
Residents seeking information about MCHD’s endocrinology services can contact the district at (830) 757-4900 or visit its offices at 3406 Bob Rogers Drive in Eagle Pass.
