PHX Reporter

Banner Health has released the second segment in its Somos Banner Health series, which focuses on the relationship between obesity and diabetes in the Hispanic community.

Recent studies highlight a growing concern over increasing diabetes rates among Hispanics, identifying obesity as a significant factor that raises the risk of developing diabetes and other chronic conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, 78.8 percent of Hispanic American women are overweight or obese, compared to 64 percent of non-Hispanic white women. Additionally, Hispanic adults are 70 percent more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes by a physician.

These statistics emphasize the need for preventive measures to combat these trends and promote overall well-being within the community. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that prioritizes weight management and disease prevention is crucial.

"The link between obesity and diabetes is unmistakable, particularly within the Hispanic population," said Dr. Pedro Rodriguez Guggiari, a community primary care specialist and hospitalist at Banner Del Webb Medical Center. "By addressing the root causes of these conditions through lifestyle modifications and preventive care, we can empower individuals to take control of their health and reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases."

To mitigate risks associated with obesity and diabetes, Banner Health recommends several lifestyle changes:

- Eat healthy

- Exercise

- Quit smoking

- Limit alcohol

- Reduce stress

- Monitor blood sugar

- Get regular check-ups

- Improve sleep

For more information, visit: https://www.bannerhealth.com/services/diabetes/management/lifestyle-changes.

Banner Health is one of the largest secular nonprofit healthcare systems in the country. It operates 33 hospitals along with an academic medicine division called Banner – University Medicine and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center. The organization's services include a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, behavioral health services, a research division, and a nursing registry. To facilitate easier access to healthcare services, all Banner-employed doctors offer virtual visits. Patients can also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations or book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming.

###