SAN ANTONIO — Diabetes is a big problem here in San Antonio, and new data shows it's a growing problem with younger people.
Metro Health is offering free resources for local families this weekend. And when it comes to diabetes, rates in the city are higher than state and national averages.
“Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death here in San Antonio. 1 out of every 9 San Antonio residents, report being diagnosed with diabetes," Julius Hunter, Senior Management Coordinator, Diabetes Prevention & Control Program said.
Metro Health says they are also seeing some disturbing trends in the city.
“We're also seeing in our youth, children ages 10 to 17. There has been an increase in type two diabetes within our community," Hunter said.
There is also an epidemic among men, according to Metro Health officials.
“We know that many in our community suffer from some of the more severe consequences and symptoms of diabetes, such as amputations, blindness and neuropathy," Hunter said.
Lack of knowledge, education, and support are some of the reasons, Metro Health says diabetes is impacting the community.
Currently Metro Health offers work shops, targeted in districts that have high infection rates, and hospitalization rates.
“The City of San Antonio has a diabetes prevention and control program that is based in health, education, providing health education, to all of Bexar county," Hunter said.
In September, Metro Health also partnered with H-E-B to offer an Insulin Assistance Program, where you can walk into 19 different H-E-B Pharmacies, and get up to $100 towards the cost of your insulin prescription.
“We've purposely made the program so that there's no barriers, there's no income verification. The person simply has to come in, and attest that they have that need, and they will receive that assistance," Hunter said.
November is designated as Diabetes Awareness Month. Metro Health is hosting their 4th annual Diabetes Health Fair, this Saturday at Palo Alto College from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Metro Health will also offer $10 of free fresh produce, COVID and Flue vaccines, free to some depending on age and insurance coverage, and STI testing. They will also have free vouchers for free turkeys while they last.
“We have over 20 vendors that'll be there showing the community what resources they have, what programs they have in order to support people that are trying to prevent, or delay diabetes or that are living with diabetes," Hunter said.