WESLACO – Diabetes is a growing epidemic around the world; in the U.S. alone, 30 million people are diagnosed.

In the Rio Grande Valley, one in three people are diagnosed with diabetes.

"The CDC, for example, thinks about 73 percent has potential to be diabetics in the Valley. You're talking about over 70 percent of the population, in the Valley that's very serious," explains Dr. Monzer Yazji.

KRGV’s Dina Herrera-Garza sat down with Dr. Yazji, who has practiced in the Valley for 25 years.

He explains the difference between the two types of diabetes, as well as contributing factors to this disease.

Dr. Yazji says making simple changes can make a difference – it can even reverse diabetes.

Watch the video above for the full story.