National Diabetes Month Highlights Alarming Connection Between Obesity and Diabetes in Maverick County
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
As November marks National Diabetes Month, Maverick County faces two closely connected public health challenges affecting thousands of residents. With approximately 45 percent of adults living with obesity and an estimated 19 percent affected by diabetes, the community faces serious questions about nutrition, poverty, healthcare access and whether sufficient resources are being directed toward prevention.
The connection between obesity and Type 2 diabetes is well established. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. This condition, known as insulin resistance, forces the pancreas to produce additional insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
Over time, the pancreas may become unable to meet this demand, potentially resulting in Type 2 diabetes. Although not everyone living with obesity develops the disease, excess weight remains a major preventable risk factor. Type 1 diabetes, meanwhile, is an autoimmune condition unrelated to obesity.
Eagle Pass has experienced continued growth in fast-food restaurants, with national chains and drive-through establishments occupying major commercial corridors.
While these businesses provide employment and convenient meals, the widespread availability of calorie-dense foods, sugary beverages and oversized portions can contribute to unhealthy eating patterns.
For working families struggling financially, affordability and convenience frequently influence food choices. The concentration of fast-food establishments also raises questions about access to affordable, nutritious alternatives.
Traditional Mexican-American foods are not inherently unhealthy. Beans, vegetables and corn tortillas can contribute to balanced meals. However, excessive portions and frequent consumption of fried foods, refined carbohydrates and sugary beverages can increase obesity and diabetes risks.
Economic conditions further complicate the situation.
With approximately 26 percent of Maverick County residents living in poverty, many families face financial barriers to healthier foods, preventive examinations and consistent medical treatment.
Poorly controlled diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, vision loss and amputations. Obesity also contributes to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
These conditions create substantial financial burdens through medication expenses, medical appointments, hospitalization, lost wages and reduced employment opportunities, affecting families and the local economy.
The growing burden raises an important question for Maverick County.
Are local institutions investing enough resources in preventing diabetes, or is the community spending considerably more addressing complications after residents have already developed serious medical conditions?
The Maverick County Hospital District, United Medical Centers, schools, employers and local government agencies all have potential roles in expanding preventive screenings, nutritional education, physical activity programs and healthcare access.
Greater attention should also be directed toward evaluating existing programs and determining whether prevention efforts are producing measurable improvements.
Medical research demonstrates that losing approximately 5 to 7 percent of body weight, combined with at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, can significantly reduce Type 2 diabetes risks among individuals at elevated risk.
Walking regularly, reducing sugary beverages, controlling portions and preparing healthier meals can make meaningful differences without expensive gym memberships or specialized diets.
However, placing responsibility entirely on individuals overlooks economic circumstances and environmental factors influencing their decisions.
Affordable nutritious foods, bilingual health education, accessible screenings and safe recreational areas remain important components of community prevention.
National Diabetes Month also encourages residents with obesity, high blood pressure or a family history of Type 2 diabetes to discuss screening with healthcare providers. Early detection of prediabetes offers opportunities to prevent or delay disease progression.
Ultimately, Maverick County’s obesity and diabetes challenges cannot be addressed independently. Their relationship affects healthcare expenditures, workforce productivity, household finances and quality of life.
National Diabetes Month should represent more than an annual awareness campaign. It should encourage healthcare institutions and community leaders to establish measurable prevention goals and determine whether sufficient progress is being made.
The challenge is not simply helping residents live longer, but ensuring future generations have opportunities to live healthier lives.
For medical information or appointments, residents may contact Maverick County Hospital District at (830) 757-4900 or United Medical Centers at (830) 773-5358.
