Understanding the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the hispanic population living in the united states

AbstractThe prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among the Hispanic population in the United States is 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 US 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 programs 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, programs should take into consideration cultural factors that influence the development and progression of diabetesThese interventions aim to enhance long ‐term effects by reducing the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of T2D in the Hispanic popu...
Source: Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research