The primary purpose of this mixed-methods study was two-fold: first, to assess diabetes knowledge, attitudes, disease management and self efficacy among a sample of Mexican American (MA) and Mexican-Native (MN) adults living in North Texas; and second, to determine factors which promote or deter diabetes prevention and management using Airihenbuwa's PEN-3 Model. Data was collected by way of quantitative surveys and focus groups. A volunteer sample of 100 MA and MN men and women who were living in North Texas and diagnosed with T2DM agreed to participate in the research. Data was analyzed using Pearson product correlations, t-tests, and MANOVA as well as qualitative analysis. Results showed that knowledge and perceived psychosocial impact scores for participants were significantly lower than those from national samples. No significant effects for gender were found. Barriers identified from focus group data included fatalistic views, language challenges, fear of deportation, mistrust of U.S. medical personnel, lack of financial resources, transportation, and guilt relating to the perceived burden of management and prevention of the disease. By using mixed methodologies and culturally inclusive planning models such as PEN-3, health educators and other personnel can develop more relative and empowering diabetes education programs and services for this population. (Contains 8 tables and 1 figure.)