A doctor at Knapp Medical Center is helping people understand key diabetes terms as part of a focus on the disease's high rate in Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Sunaina Mangina explained several common terms to people in Weslaco. She said diabetes means the body has too much glucose, the type of sugar our bodies use for fuel, and can't burn it properly.

Dr. Mangina also explained A1C, a test that measures glucose levels by checking how much sugar coats blood cells.

Another important term is insulin resistance.

"Insulin resistance is when your body is not able to detect the insulin, so your glucose keeps being high," Dr. Mangina said.

She said it's important for people in the Rio Grande Valley to know these terms because diabetes is so common in the area.

"Diabetes is a lifestyle that you can change and control. It is in your hands," Dr. Mangina said. "So if you are eating healthy, exercising, and, if you are diabetic, then taking your medication on time, the longevity and quality of life improve."

Dr. Mangina encourages everyone to get tested for diabetes, especially those with a family history of the disease.

"It is very important to ask your doctor to screen you for diabetes," Dr. Mangina said. "Lately we are seeing more kids and an increase in young adults, getting diabetes, so it is important to ask your doctor."

Watch the video above for the full story.

This April, CHANNEL 5 NEWS will educate viewers about diabetes prevention and treatment. KRGV will provide a 360-degree look into the diabetes epidemic in the RGV.

H-E-B and South Texas Health System are offering free diabetes screenings in the month of April. Check out the calendar at this link for times and dates when the screenings will be available.

Heart of the Valley: Diabetes is sponsored by Prime Health and South Texas Health System.