Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes; November 14, 2025.— In observance of World Diabetes Day, the Universidad Panamericana Aguascalientes Universidad Panamericana highlighted the importance of prevention, a balanced diet, and nutrition education as essential tools for combating this disease, which affects millions of people in Mexico and around the world.
Faculty members from the School of Food Business Management, María de Fátima González Rodríguez, M.A., and Linda Carolina Hernández Lozano, M.A., shared their insights on the crucial role played by dietary habits, the food industry, and educational initiatives in this global struggle.
Diabetes in Mexico: An Urgent Call to Action
María de Fátima González, M.Sc., a biochemist specializing in Food Science and Technology and Nutrition, explained that the purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the impact of daily habits on the development of the disease.
“It’s an important day because diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in our country. This day aims to raise awareness about how our habits directly influence whether or not we develop the disease,” he said.
Linda Carolina Hernández, M.A., head of laboratories at the School of Food Business Management, highlighted the progress the industry is making to reduce sugar consumption.
“The entire food industry is working to reduce the amount of sugar in its products. More and more companies are seeking to replace added sugars with natural sweeteners or gradually reduce their concentration, so that consumers can get used to less sweet flavors,” he said.
This shift is driven both by the demand for healthier products and by the need to combat one of the leading causes of diabetes: excessive consumption of sugar and ultra-processed foods.
Prevention Through Healthy Habits
Ms. González delved into prevention at the individual level, explaining that maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle is essential for reducing the risk. “A person who watches what they eat, maintains a healthy weight, and exercises is much less likely to develop diabetes, even if they have a genetic predisposition,” she stated.
He also emphasized the importance of eating complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables rich in soluble fiber, as well as choosing healthy fats such as those found in olive oil, avocados, or coconut.
Nutrition education from an early age
Ms. Hernández emphasized the importance of long-term educational strategies that help change eating habits starting at an early age. “So-called junk food has been removed from schools for years, and now efforts are underway to reduce sugar content even in universities. The idea is for new generations to grow up accustomed to more natural flavors and less dependent on sugar,” she explained.
Finally, the professor encouraged the audience to reflect on the importance of daily habits: “Alcohol, excessive fat intake, and stress are factors we often overlook, but they directly influence the development of diseases such as diabetes. Watching what you eat and maintaining healthy habits not only improves your quality of life, but can also extend it,” she concluded.
The University's Commitment to Health and Holistic Education
With this insight from its experts, the Universidad Panamericana its commitment to nutrition education, the prevention of chronic diseases, and the training of professionals capable of transforming the food industry through a focus on health, sustainability, and innovation.
