UTEP expands program to help men manage diabetes

EL PASO, Texas -- It's a prevalent diagnosis in the Borderland that sometimes goes unaddressed -- diabetes. UTEP is looking to expand its outreach programs to help men manage diabetes as apart of Men's Health Month this June.

UTEP's Diabetes Garage program is being extended thanks to a $240,000 grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services through the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

The program will also teach health care organizations become certified in Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services.

The Diabetes Garage uses car analogies to help men learn how to manage their disease.

"I think our body is is a great machine and I asked men to think about it that way because when they do, it's a whole different world," said Dr. Jeannie Concha, UTEP assistant professor for the Dept. of Public Health Sciences.

According to Concha's research, about 14% of Mexican Americans, particularly men, have diabetes.

"Think about your machine and where it takes your family. Where are you, your family goals are, you can be in the driver's seat, you're driving your family, to meet your family's goals. And it's important that your car doesn't break down, that your machine does not break down."

The program offers free programs online for men in Harlingen and San Antonio in July and men in El Paso in August.

To learn more and apply, click here.