In Houston, we know how to celebrate family. From Thanksgiving turkey and cornbread dressing to sweet potato pie and spirited conversations around the dinner table, food has always brought generations together.

But this November, Legacy Community Health is encouraging Greater Houston families to add something equally important to their holiday traditions: a renewed commitment to lifelong wellness.

As America observes National Diabetes Month, the message is timely. According to the American Diabetes Association's updated 2026 estimates, approximately 3.2 million Texas adults — 12.9% — have diagnosed diabetes, with another 245,000 adults diagnosed annually.

Locally, Legacy reports that 10.8% of Harris County adults had been diagnosed with diabetes in 2024.

These aren't merely statistics. They represent our neighbors, coworkers, children, parents, and grandparents.

Diabetes Has No Age Limit

One misconception deserves to be retired alongside those outdated holiday decorations: diabetes doesn't affect only older adults.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition requiring insulin treatment. Type 2 diabetes, involving insulin resistance and sometimes inadequate insulin production, can develop in adults and children.

“Some families don’t realize that kids can develop Type 2 diabetes the same way adults can,” explains Dr. Brittany Hodgson, pediatrician at Legacy Community Health.

 

Family history, routine pediatric examinations, and appropriate screening can help identify risks before complications develop.

Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, or unexplained weight loss.

“In an older child, you might see them waking up at night to use the bathroom. In the youngest kids, it can just look like heavier diapers than usual, which is easy to miss,” Hodgson explains.

Fruity-smelling breath, especially accompanied by vomiting or breathing difficulties, warrants emergency evaluation because it can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis.

Healthy Holidays, Happy Families

Here's some genuinely delicious news: managing diabetes doesn't mean abandoning holiday favorites.

“Holiday meals are about love and connection. You don’t have to give up your favorite dishes, just make small, smart changes so every bite is both delicious and nourishing,” says Sean Barrett, Nutrition & Fitness Director at Legacy Community Health.

Barrett encourages practical adjustments: balance portions, incorporate vegetables and lean proteins, reduce sugary drinks, and involve children in preparing healthier recipes.

A Thanksgiving family walk, backyard football game, or living-room dance party can add meaningful movement without sacrificing celebration.

“The holidays are the perfect time to build healthy habits as a family,” Barrett emphasizes.

Health Beyond Care: Supporting the Whole Family

Legacy's Health Beyond Care approach recognizes that diabetes management involves much more than monitoring blood sugar.

Its coordinated services bring together pediatric care, primary care, nutrition, behavioral health, and pharmacy assistance to support patients throughout their lives.

Legacy Pharmacy's clinical pharmacists help patients understand medications, improve treatment consistency, and navigate access and affordability challenges.

Consistent care matters because poorly controlled diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Regular A1C testing, blood pressure monitoring, kidney evaluations, and recommended eye examinations help identify concerns earlier.

Emotional wellness matters, too. Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming for children and caregivers.

“A new diagnosis is a lot. The medications, the sugar checks, the change in eating,” Hodgson acknowledges. “Families should know they’re not doing this alone.”

Importantly, Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented through lifestyle changes. Healthy habits, however, can help prevent or delay many cases of Type 2 diabetes, and some children with Type 2 may achieve improved glucose control with less medication under medical supervision.

A Healthier Houston Begins at Home

For generations, Houston families have passed down recipes, traditions, and wisdom. This holiday season, Legacy invites us to pass down something equally valuable: healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Start with one conversation, one wellness appointment, one balanced meal, or one family walk.

Because the most meaningful family legacy isn't what's served at Thanksgiving dinner.

It's the healthier tomorrows we create together.

Take the Next Step: Visit LegacyCommunityHealth.org

to learn more about

comprehensive family healthcare, diabetes management, and pharmacy services.

To schedule an appointment, call 832-548-5000.