The rate of diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley is higher than other parts of the nation. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one in four people have the disease nationwide. In the RGV, that number increases to one in three.

Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen is working to educate people on diabetes and help them learn how to change their lifestyle to better manage their disease through their diabetes center.

Nationwide, more than 84% of pre-diabetics don't even know they have it.

"I think education is so important," diabetes educator Ana Cruz said. "Making patients aware of what they can do to prevent it. And if they have it, to take care of themselves. To be compliant, so they can have a long-lasting life with no complications of diabetes."

Inpatient and outpatient diabetes classes are offered, but you must be referred by a doctor.

For more information, call Valley Baptist Medical Center at 956-389-1119.

For a look at free diabetes screenings throughout the Valley during the month of April, visit our Heart of the Valley Diabetes page.

Watch the video above for the full story.