WESLACO – Local residents without health insurance can see a Houston-based doctor for free without leaving the Rio Grande Valley.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 30.3 million people are diabetic, with an estimated 7.2 million of those are actually undiagnosed.

The staff at Proyecto Juan Diego is working to help people identify their risk for developing diabetes.

KRGV’s Kristine Galvan spoke with a man who has enrolled in their free diabetes program called Salud-y-Vida, which emphasizes diet, stress management and prevention.

"Back in the day, it’s eating and eating and eating; but now it's like eating a handful, but my hands are pretty big, but I have to bring it down a bit,” explains Abraham Medrano.

Sister Margaret Palmer of Proyecto Juan Diego explains if left untreated, diabetes could lead to heart disease, dialysis, amputations and vision problems.

She explains they work with other organizations in the area to provide health information to patients.   

Watch the video above for the full story.