DeTar Healthcare System: The Key to Diabetes Prevention

11/21/2025

With November recognized nationally as Diabetes Awareness Month, DeTar Healthcare System is taking action to educate the community about diabetes risks and prevention. On November 19, Leslie Kubecka, R.N., diabetes educator at DeTar, presented “Empowering Diabetes Prevention Through Healthy Living” to community members at the Victoria Police Department’s monthly Lunch and Learn event.

Kubecka’s presentation came at a critical time. As loved ones gather around the table with delicious homemade goodies and warm savory cooked meals, if you have diabetes or have diabetes risk factors, you might need to be mindful of the food on their plate.

Today, diabetes affects 537 million people worldwide, and Texas remains one of the hardest-hit states. Approximately 12–13% of Texas adults—more than 3 million people—live with diabetes, while an estimated 600,000 more Texans have diabetes and do not know it. Additionally, 7 million Texans are currently living with prediabetes, a serious condition that significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

“Simple lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%, according to the CDC,” Kubecka said.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body no longer produces insulin, requiring daily insulin therapy. With type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but does not use it effectively. Over time, insulin production may decrease, leading to elevated blood sugars.

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include:

• Age 45 or older
• Family history of diabetes
• Being overweight
• Low physical activity
• A history of gestational diabetes
• Belonging to higher-risk ethnic groups such as Hispanic, African American, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander

If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your primary care physician. An A1C test, which reflects average blood sugar levels over the past three months, can help identify diabetes or prediabetes.

“The best way to combat type 2 diabetes is prevention,” Kubecka said.

Ways to reduce the risk of developing diabetes:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight - Losing even 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity.
2. Get Regular Physical Activity - Aim for 150 minutes per week—about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling or aerobics count.
3. Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management - Adults need 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Stress management techniques such as exercise, deep breathing, limiting caffeine and joining support groups can also improve overall health.
4. Eat a Balanced Diet
   • Half the plate: non-starchy vegetables
   • One quarter: lean protein
   • One quarter: carbohydrates

“Everything is bigger in Texas but our portions shouldn’t be,” Kubecka said.”This holiday season as you gather around the table, be mindful of your portions, focus on making healthy choices, stay active and consistently monitor your blood sugar levels, especially if you are starting to show symptoms of pre-diabetes.”

Early symptoms may include:

• Increased thirst and dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue or headaches
• Unexplained weight loss
• Slow-healing wounds
• Frequent infections
• Dry, itchy skin

“Regular checkups are essential,” Kubecka told attendees. “If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, contact your physician for testing.”

DeTar Healthcare System continues its mission to educate and empower residents to take charge of their health. Through outreach efforts like the Victoria Police Department Lunch and Learn, DeTar aims to ensure the community has the tools needed to prevent chronic disease and lead healthier lives.

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