Valley Regional's Diabetes Management Center Empowers Patients Through Accredited Education Program

BROWNSVILLE, TX – October 1, 2025 – Valley Regional Medical Center’s Diabetes Management Center is proud to offer a nationally accredited diabetes education program, recognized by the American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). This accreditation ensures that individuals living with diabetes in the Brownsville area have access to high-quality, evidence-based education and support.
 

Diabetes education is a collaborative process that equips individuals with, or at risk for, diabetes with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed lifestyle changes and effectively manage their condition. The program is led by highly trained diabetes educators who provide personalized guidance on nutrition, physical activity, medication management, and more.

In 2023, Brownsville resident Frieda Belton took a life-changing step after receiving a Hemoglobin A1c result of 13.5%—a level significantly above the American Diabetes Association’s recommended threshold of 5.7%. Alarmed by the potential complications of uncontrolled diabetes, including kidney failure and cardiovascular disease, Frieda turned to the Diabetes Management Center for help.

Her journey began with Rosary Munoz, nurse practitioner and certified diabetes care and education specialist, who introduced her to practical strategies such as portion control, reading food labels and making healthier food choices.

“I had no idea how much sugar was in all my favorite foods and now I catch myself at the grocery store reading food labels on everything,” Frieda shared. “Don’t get me wrong, I still eat some of my favorite foods, but they’re just a bit different and so are the portions. Like tortillas, I know to look for tortillas that only have one gram of fat and have flaxseed in them. So, I still get to enjoy food.”

With support from the Center, Frieda adopted a healthier diet and learned how to incorporate proper exercise regularly into her daily routine.

“Rosary gave me tips on exercise, like how to get the best out of my walking time,” Frieda shared about exercising. “She said, start by walking at a slow pace for five minutes and then pick up the pace for the rest of your walk.”

As a result of her commitment and the education she received, Frieda successfully reduced her A1c to 5.7%—a remarkable improvement that reflects her dedication and the effectiveness of the program.

“I’m no longer on medication for diabetes and I feel so much better” Frieda shared with excitement.

The Diabetes Management Center offers individual consultations and group education classes by appointment Monday through Saturday.

“We are committed to improving the health outcomes of all people with diabetes by offering patient-focused, quality care,” said Munoz. “Our team is proud to provide individualized education and empower our patients to live healthier, more dynamic lives.”

The ADCES accreditation signifies that the Diabetes Management Center meets the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support—standards proven to improve health outcomes and support sustainable behavior change.

For more information contact the Diabetes Management Center at 956.350.7883 or visit https://valleyregionalmedicalcenter.com/service/diabetes-management

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About Valley Regional Medical Center

Valley Regional Medical Center has proudly served the Rio Grande Valley community for 50 years. The full-service, 214-bed-acute-care facility offers services including cardiovascular care, 24/7 neuroendovascular care, general and minimally invasive surgery, orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation services. As an accredited Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center, Valley Regional Medical Center is well-equipped to provide 24/7 emergency treatment to the Brownsville community and surrounding areas. In 2025, the hospital received a Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence and Surgical Care Excellence Awards. For more information, visit valleyregionalmedicalcenter.com.

About HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division

HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division is a comprehensive network of hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, emergency centers and diagnostic imaging facilities in greater Houston, Corpus Christi and South Texas. Facilities in the Gulf Coast Division include: 17 acute care and specialty hospitals, 13 ambulatory surgery centers, 24 3D breast imaging centers, 31 freestanding emergency centers, 28 CareNow® urgent care centers, three air ambulances, more than 100 physician practices and a regional transfer center that provides support for patient transfers into and out of HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division hospitals as well as access to ground and air transportation within a 150-mile radius. HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division is part of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services with 182 hospitals and 2,300+ sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, home health, and physician clinics located in 20 states and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit HCAgulfcoast.com.