Diabetes Alert Day is about more than a date on the calendar — it’s about preventing diabetes and related risk factors before it changes a life forever.

In the Rio Grande Valley, too many families are living with diabetes or prediabetes without even knowing it. Parents are working long hours, grandparents are caring for grandchildren, and health often comes last — until it becomes an emergency. Many people don’t feel symptoms until their blood sugar is already dangerously high.

That’s why Diabetes Alert Day exists.

On this day, Unidos Contra la Diabetes brings free A1C tests, blood pressure checks, BMI and lipid screenings, free produce distribution, and fun movement like Zumba directly to the community. For some families, it’s the first time they have ever had their diabetes risk checked. For others, it’s the moment they realize they can still prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

We’ve seen it happen — a parent who thought they were “fine” learns they are prediabetic and starts making small changes. A grandparent finds out their blood sugar is dangerously high and gets connected to care. A family leaves not only with test results, but with hope, knowledge, and support.

These moments are reflected in the real stories shared on the Unidos Contra la Diabetes blog — neighbors, parents, and community members telling how diabetes touched their lives and how early awareness changed their path. We invite you to read their stories and see the faces behind the numbers.

Diabetes doesn’t have to be their future. Your support helps change the story.

And don’t miss our 2025 Diabetes Alert Day video! Watch the powerful highlights, community voices, and joyful moments from our event here: https://youtu.be/Ls3Kvl2hz5Q

2026 Diabetes Alert Day

Unidos Contra La Diabetes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 99-4763133