HEALTH EDUCATION
Latinx Immigrants of Iowa began its health education work during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became clear that our Latino community was not receiving the support, information, and access it needed. While many families were facing fear, confusion, and limited resources, we stepped up to help — organizing information campaigns, answering questions in Spanish, and connecting people with reliable vaccination sites.
Through strong collaborations and consistent community work, we are proud to have helped vaccinate more than 5,000 people. This achievement represents trust, teamwork, and our commitment to protecting families in Iowa.
After the pandemic, our organization expanded its health focus. We saw that many urgent issues continue to affect our Latino community — especially diabetes, HPV, preventive screenings, and access to accurate health information in Spanish. Many community members have shared that they never received clear guidance before, and we want to change that.
Today, Latinx Immigrants of Iowa continues to provide health education that is culturally relevant, easy to understand, and focused on empowering families to make informed decisions. Whether it’s understanding diabetes risk, learning about the HPV vaccine, or knowing where to find community resources, our goal is simple:
To ensure that every Latino family feels informed, supported, and confident when it comes to their health.
We will continue offering education, awareness campaigns, and—when opportunities arise—participating in vaccination events, health fairs, and community partnerships. Our mission is to keep building a healthier, stronger, and more informed Latino community in Iowa.
DIABETES
Diabetes continues to affect Latino families at significantly higher rates than many other communities, often due to limited access to health information, preventive care, and early detection. At Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, we understand how deeply this disease impacts daily life—physically, emotionally, and financially. Many in our community struggle with maintaining healthy habits, finding reliable resources, or even knowing where to start after receiving a diagnosis.
Through our Health Education initiative, we are committed to providing clear, practical information that empowers families to take control of their health. Our goal is to help community members understand what diabetes is, how it develops, and what steps can be taken to prevent it or manage it effectively.
We emphasize:
Awareness and prevention, including the importance of routine check-ups and knowing your risk factors.
Healthy eating habits, focusing on small, sustainable changes that fit Latino families’ daily lives.
Physical activity, encouraging simple movements that anyone can start with, regardless of age or fitness level.
Emotional support, recognizing how difficult lifestyle changes can be and letting our community know they’re not alone.
At Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, we believe that education saves lives. We will continue sharing accessible information, hosting workshops when possible, and providing culturally-sensitive tools to help our community stay healthy, informed, and supported. Our mission is to make sure every Latino family feels confident taking the steps needed to protect their well-being.
Diabetes in children
Childhood diabetes is a serious issue that many families overlook because the symptoms can seem “normal,” but they are not.
When a child is very thirsty, uses the bathroom frequently, loses weight without reason, or looks extremely tired, these can be early signs of diabetes. It is also common for children to experience extreme hunger, nausea, or even unexplained vomiting.
Type 1 diabetes appears when the body stops producing insulin, and it usually develops suddenly. It is important to act quickly because symptoms can worsen within days.
Type 2 diabetes, although once rare in children, is now more common due to low physical activity and high consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods. Many parents are not aware of the symptoms, which is why it is often detected late.
Talking about this topic helps more families recognize the warning signs and seek medical care early. Early detection can prevent serious complications and ensure children receive proper treatment from the beginning.
If you notice these symptoms in a child, do not wait. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
This material does not replace a medical consultation. Always consult with a doctor.
Diabetes in Teens
Diabetes among teenagers is becoming increasingly common, especially in Latino communities where access to healthcare, early education, and prevention resources has historically been limited. Adolescence is already a challenging stage of life—filled with emotional changes, social pressure, and growing independence—and managing a chronic condition like diabetes adds another layer that many families are not fully prepared for.
At Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, we understand how overwhelming diabetes can be for both teenagers and their parents. During the pandemic, we saw firsthand how lack of information and access deeply affected our community. Since then, our commitment has been clear: provide culturally sensitive, accessible, and trustworthy health education that empowers Latino families to take control of their health.
Why Diabetes in Teens Matters
Teenagers with diabetes—whether Type 1 or Type 2—face unique challenges:
• Emotional and social pressure: Teens may feel embarrassed about checking glucose levels, using insulin, or making lifestyle changes.
• Changing routines: Irregular sleep and eating habits can make diabetes harder to manage.
• Increased independence: Many teens begin making food and activity decisions on their own, which can increase risk when they don’t fully understand the importance of consistency.
• Higher risk of complications: Without proper management, teens can experience rapid health changes and long-term complications earlier in adulthood.
Warning Signs
Many families mistake the symptoms for normal teenage behavior. Signs may include:
Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Unusual weight loss
Increased hunger
Fatigue or irritability
Blurred vision
Slow-healing cuts
Recognizing these symptoms early is critical. Early detection leads to early treatment, which can prevent serious complications.
Our Commitment
Latinx Immigrants of Iowa continues to provide health education that helps families:
Understand the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Identify early warning signs
Learn how healthy habits—like reducing sugary drinks, maintaining physical activity, and eating balanced meals—can prevent or manage diabetes
Feel emotionally supported throughout the process
Access reliable local health clinics and community resources
We believe that informed families are stronger families. Our mission is to make sure every Latino teenager has the opportunity to live a healthy, confident, and supported life, regardless of diagnosis.
This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor for any concerns.
Diabetes in Adults
Diabetes is one of the most common and serious health conditions affecting Latino adults in the United States. Many people live for years without knowing they have it, because the symptoms can be mild at first or easily confused with stress, tiredness, or normal aging. Understanding what diabetes is, how it develops, and how it affects the body is essential to protecting long-term health.
Diabetes happens when the body does not use insulin correctly or does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is used for energy. When this process fails, glucose builds up in the blood and causes serious long-term damage to the organs, nerves, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys.
There are two main types of diabetes in adults.
Type 1 diabetes is less common and occurs when the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes—the most common form—is strongly linked to family history, stress, obesity, lack of physical activity, and diets high in sugary drinks and processed foods. Many Latino adults are at higher risk due to genetic factors, cultural diets, and limited access to early medical care.
Common symptoms include constant thirst, fatigue, blurry vision, frequent urination, slow-healing wounds, numbness in the hands or feet, and unexplained weight changes. But many adults have no symptoms at all, which is why regular medical check-ups and glucose testing are so important.
Living with diabetes requires daily attention, but with education and support, adults can successfully manage it. Healthy eating, drinking more water instead of sugary drinks, adding more fruits and vegetables, and moving the body at least 30 minutes a day make a real difference. Medications or insulin may be necessary depending on the patient’s condition, and regular doctor visits help prevent complications.
At Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, we know how difficult it can be to receive a diagnosis while also facing work demands, family responsibilities, and emotional stress. Our mission is to make health information easy to understand, culturally respectful, and accessible to every member of our community. We are committed to offering workshops, sharing educational materials, and connecting families with clinics and resources that can help them manage diabetes with confidence.
By providing education and raising awareness, we can help more Latino adults recognize the signs earlier, seek care sooner, and protect their long-term well-being. Managing diabetes is not just about controlling blood sugar — it is about helping families live healthier, stronger, and longer lives.