PHX Reporter

Banner Health has announced the launch of the second segment in its Somos Banner Health series, focusing on the relationship between obesity and diabetes in the Hispanic community.

Recent studies have shown that obesity is a significant factor increasing 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 highlight the urgent need for preventive measures to combat these trends and promote overall well-being within the Hispanic community. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for weight control and disease prevention.

"The connection between obesity and diabetes is indiscutable, especially within the Hispanic population," said Dr. Pedro Rodriguez Guggiari, a specialist in community primary care and hospitalist at Banner Del Webb Medical Center. "By addressing the root causes of these conditions through lifestyle modifications and preventive care, we can educate 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 lifestyle changes such as eating healthily, exercising, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing stress, controlling blood glucose levels, having regular check-ups, and improving sleep.

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

Banner Health is recognized as one of the largest nonprofit hospital service providers in the country. With over 30 intensive care hospitals, it also has an academic medicine division: Banner University Medicine and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center. The organization offers extensive services including a medical insurance division, employed physicians group, outpatient surgery centers, intensive care locations, home care and hospice services, public pharmacies, independent diagnostic imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, mental health services division as well as research nursing registry division. All employed physicians are available for virtual visits; additionally patients can make reservations at any Banner Urgent Care location or schedule online appointments with various Banner doctors. Headquartered in Arizona with hospitals across five states—Arizona California Colorado Nebraska Wyoming—more information can be found at bannerhealth.com.