Diabetes remains a significant health concern in Texas, with physicians from the Texas Medical Association (TMA) warning about the severe complications that can arise from undiagnosed or unmanaged cases. Dr. Brandon Cantazaro, an internist and member of TMA’s Council on Health Promotion, described diabetes as a “silent disease,” noting that many people are unaware they have it until they experience serious complications such as nerve damage leading to loss of sensation in their limbs.
Dr. Cantazaro practices in the Rio Grande Valley, where diabetes rates are among the highest in the country. He said, “The burden of the disease is profound.” In this region, one in four people—26%—have diabetes, compared to just under 12% nationally.
During National Diabetes Awareness Month, TMA physicians are emphasizing the risks associated with unrecognized or poorly managed diabetes. According to recent data, more than 38 million Americans—including 2.9 million Texans—live with diabetes. In Texas alone, over one in ten residents (12.7%) have been diagnosed with the condition. The vast majority—about 90%—have type 2 diabetes, which results in elevated blood sugar levels and can lead to serious health problems.
Dr. Jayesh “Jay” Shah, a San Antonio wound care specialist and current president of TMA, regularly treats patients suffering from advanced complications related to diabetes. He explained that his patients often face issues such as end-stage kidney disease and poor circulation leading to amputations: “Some of the most unfortunate end-stage complications of diabetes [include] end-stage kidney disease, having no circulation in the limbs, patients getting amputations, and patients having trouble with healing.”
The effects of diabetes frequently remain hidden until they become critical. Dr. Cantazaro observed: “A lot of those patients don’t know they have a cut on their foot… There will be nerve damage to where they will not have sensation.” Due to poor blood circulation common among diabetics, even minor injuries may fail to heal properly.
Dr. Shah highlighted how these complications impact families: “A lot of these patients are young with a young family, and it really is very devastating for these families to have their breadwinner getting disabled because of diabetes.”
Both Drs. Shah and Cantazaro recommend that individuals who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or belong to higher-risk ethnic groups consult their physician for testing.
Diabetes can also develop during pregnancy; gestational diabetes affects up to 9% of pregnancies each year nationwide. Physicians stress that regular screening and appropriate treatment plans help manage this condition effectively.
While type 2 diabetes carries risks for numerous health problems if left untreated or poorly managed, doctors say these outcomes can often be prevented through lifestyle changes and medical supervision.
“Having the discipline of making sure you are following a healthy diet, you are taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor, and you are exercising—you can control diabetes and even reverse some of the conditions,” said Dr. Shah.
Dr. Cantazaro encourages gradual change: “You can start making small changes over time, little by little.” He shared examples from his practice where simple steps like reducing sugary drinks or increasing daily physical activity led patients to lower their blood-sugar levels significantly over several months.
Managing this chronic illness independently may seem daunting; however Dr. Cantazaro reassures patients: “It is not your identity. With support and small lifestyle changes, you can live a long, healthy, and active life.”
