Special considerations on the management of Latino patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

A number of studies have highlighted various ethnic disparities in Latinos with diabetes including higher HbA1c levels, greater rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome, and a larger proportion of individuals with inadequate access to care. While relatively fewer studies describe success factors for redressing cultural disparities in diabetes, the current body of literature supports primary care strategies aimed at effective provider-patient relationships and culturally tailored education and lifestyle modification regimens. Further research demonstrating effective, culturally tailored practices that are suitable to the primary care setting would be of value to providers treating Latinos with diabetes.

Beverage-Consumption Patterns and Associations with Metabolic Risk Factors among Low-Income Latinos with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes

“…2,3 Findings from recent reviews indicate that elevated blood glucose is significantly higher among Latinos with type 2 diabetes than other racial/ethnic groups. 3-5 Over half (62%) of Latinos with diabetes have uncontrolled glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (≥7%) levels.…”

“…2,3 Findings from recent reviews indicate that elevated blood glucose is significantly higher among Latinos with type 2 diabetes than other racial/ethnic groups. 3-5 Over half (62%) of Latinos with diabetes have uncontrolled glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (≥7%) levels. 5 Likewise, compared to non-Latino whites, Latinos experience higher rates of diabetes-related complications at these levels, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, amputations, and mortality.…”

“…5 Likewise, compared to non-Latino whites, Latinos experience higher rates of diabetes-related complications at these levels, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, amputations, and mortality. 2,3 …”

Decrease in Glycemic Index Associated with Improved Glycemic Control among Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes

“…1 Diabetes self-management among Latinos is inadequate, 2–4 with over half of those diagnosed with diabetes having uncontrolled glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 7% or higher. 4 The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed) among Latinos is estimated to be 70–80% higher than that of non-Latino whites.…”

“…5 Latinos also experience disproportionately higher rates of complications and mortality related to diabetes compared to non-Latino whites. 2,6,7 Further compounding these health disparities is the common co-occurrence of diabetes with other chronic conditions, such as obesity and hypertension, particularly within this sub-group. 8 A study of adults with diabetes living along the U.S.-Mexico border indicated that among Latino adults (including U.S. born Latinos and Mexican immigrants), over 80% were overweight or obese and approximately half were hypertensive (≥140/90 mm Hg).…”