Work

Understanding the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the Hispanic population living in the United States

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: The prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among the Hispanic population in the United States are higher than the national average. This is partly due to sociocultural factors, such as lower income and decreased access to education and health care, as well as a genetic susceptibility to obesity and higher insulin resistance. This review focuses on understanding the Hispanic population living in the United States from a multidisciplinary approach and underlines the importance of cultural, social, and biological factors in determining the increased risk of T2D in this population. An overview of the acute and chronic complications of T2D upon this population is included, which is of paramount importance to understand the toll that diabetes has upon this population, the health system, and society as a whole. Specific interventions directed to the Hispanic populations are needed to prevent and alleviate some of the burdens of T2D. Different prevention strategies based on medications, lifestyle modifications, and educational programmes are discussed herein. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is a critical element of care of all people with diabetes and is considered necessary to improve patient outcomes. To be more effective, programmes should take into consideration cultural factors that influence the development and progression of diabetes. These interventions aim to enhance long-term effects by reducing the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of T2D in the Hispanic population of the United States.

Source: Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews

DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3097

Authors: Cristina Aguayo‐Mazzucato, Paula Diaque, Sonia Hernandez, Silvia Rosas, Aleksandar Kostic, Augusto Enrique Caballero

Institutions: Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard University, University of Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases