Texas Diabetes Rate vs National Average
Texas12.9%
National Average12%
Highest (WV)18.2%
Lowest (CO)8.1%
Source: CDC BRFSS 2024 Β· Diagnosed diabetes among adults 18+
Type 1 Diabetes
142,550
~5% of diagnosed
Autoimmune β requires insulin therapy. CGM is essential for Type 1 management.
Type 2 Diabetes
2,708,450
~95% of diagnosed
Metabolic β managed with lifestyle, oral meds, or insulin. CGM increasingly recommended.
β οΈ Prediabetes in Texas: 6,630,000+ People
An estimated 6,630,000 Texas adults have prediabetes β blood sugar above normal but below diabetes threshold. Without intervention, 15-30% will develop Type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Many don't know they have it. The CDC Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce risk by 58%.
Texas Diabetes Risk Factors
βοΈ
Adult Obesity Rate
35.4%
National: 33.9%
Above national average
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Physical Inactivity
26.7%
National: 25.3%
Above national average
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Undiagnosed Diabetics
792,000
National: 27.6% undiagnosed
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Annual Hospitalizations
193,000
National: Diabetes-related
Texas has the 2nd largest diabetic population nationally with 2.85 million diagnosed. Texas has not expanded Medicaid. Summer heat across all regions makes insulin storage critical.
Texas Climate & Diabetes Supply Impact
π‘οΈ Heat Risk: Extreme heat statewide, 100Β°F+ common, West Texas desert, Gulf Coast humidity
Heat is the #1 enemy of insulin and diabetes supplies in Texas. Insulin exposed to temperatures above 86Β°F begins degrading within hours and is completely destroyed at temperatures above 104Β°F. Cars in Texas summer can reach 130-150Β°F inside β never leave insulin in a vehicle. A quality insulin cooler is not optional for Texas residents.
Insulin Temperature Safety Guide
Below 32Β°F (0Β°C)
Insulin FREEZES β permanently destroyed. Do not use frozen insulin.
36-46Β°F (2-8Β°C)
Ideal refrigerator storage for unopened insulin. Safe for months.
59-77Β°F (15-25Β°C)
Room temperature β opened insulin safe for 28-30 days (most brands).
Above 86Β°F (30Β°C)
Insulin begins degrading β effectiveness reduced within hours.
Above 104Β°F (40Β°C)
Rapid degradation. Insulin DESTROYED. Never use.
Texas Diabetes Insurance Coverage
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Medicaid Expansion: NO β Not Expanded
Texas has NOT expanded Medicaid. Many low-income adults who would qualify in expanded states do not have coverage for CGM sensors or insulin pumps. FSA/HSA accounts and direct purchase from MDS Diabetes are important alternatives.
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Medicare in Texas: 1,290,000+ Diabetic Enrollees
Medicare Part B covers CGM sensors (Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3) as durable medical equipment at 80% after deductible for insulin-treated diabetics. Part D covers insulin and oral medications. Prior authorization is typically required. Learn more at our Medicare Coverage Guide β
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FSA & HSA β Works in All 50 States
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used to purchase insulin coolers, CGM overpatches, medical alert ID, test strips, glucose meters, and more at MDS Diabetes β regardless of state Medicaid expansion status. FSA funds expire December 31. See full FSA/HSA guide β
National Diabetes Ranking β Top 10 States
Source: CDC BRFSS 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
MDS Diabetes Ships to All Texas Cities
Whether you live in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, or any of Texas's 254 counties, MDS Diabetes ships FSA/HSA eligible diabetes supplies directly to your door β free shipping on orders over $60.
Free Diabetes Resources
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Insulin Storage: The Complete Temperature Guide
Every temperature rule for every insulin type
FSA and HSA for Diabetics β Spending Guide
What qualifies, deadlines, and best purchases
Medicare Coverage for Diabetes Supplies
Part B vs Part D, prior auth, CGM approval
Traveling with Diabetes
TSA rules, packing lists, and international travel
Dexcom G7: Complete Guide
Setup, accuracy, insurance, and accessories
Hypoglycemia: Treatment and Prevention
Symptoms, the 15-15 rule, when to call 911
Diabetes Supply Guides for Other States
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaNew YorkWest VirginiaMississippiLouisianaConnecticutDelawareHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWisconsinWyomingWashington D.C.
