El Paso, TX, August 18, 2011 (PAHO/WHO) – Although similar numbers of men and women are affected by diabetes in Mexico and the English-speaking Caribbean, gender affects the progression and treatment of the disease.  Sex differences in diabetes mortality and morbidity rates are associated with men’s and women’s differing genetics such as diet, access to health services, and management of the disease.  To be effective in lowering risk for diabetes, health programs must be designed and implemented to address sex differences in disease risk and preventative behavior. A Trinidadian delegation of three people composed of a patient advocate and national and Regional health authorities visited Ciudad Juárez, México and the PAHO US- Mexico Border Office in El Paso, Texas for three working days 2 to 4 of August 2011.