Type 2 diabetes is common among Hispanic adults living in the United States. People of Puerto Rican origin are twice as likely to get type 2 diabetes as Hispanic people of other backgrounds. There are genetic, economic, and cultural causes that raise the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Genetic Factors
There is no specific gene that causes type 2 diabetes in Hispanic people. But scientists have found certain genes that are more common among Hispanic people that are related to type 2 diabetes.
Obesity can also raise the risk of type 2 diabetes. It affects how the body uses the insulin it produces to control blood sugar levels. This increases the risk of insulin resistance, which leads to type 2 diabetes. There is a high rate of obesity among Hispanic people.
Economic Factors
The place where you’re born and the number of years you’ve lived in the United States are directly related to your socioeconomic status. In turn, that status can lead to certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
Hispanic people who live in the United States are three times less likely to have health insurance. Health care and prescription drug expenses are barriers that Hispanic people in the United States face. If you don’t have access to good medical care, it can lead to sickness, which then leads to even more expenses.
Many Hispanic people with low incomes feel anxious about their financial expenses. In certain cases, feelings of anxiety and depression are directly tied to type 2 diabetes. This causes a negative cycle because someone who has depression is less likely to follow a doctor’s recommendations or to take their medicine as directed.
Cultural Factors
Some Hispanic people believe that carrying a few extra pounds is a sign of good health. Yet the opposite is true: being overweight or obese raises the risk of diabetes.
Traditional Hispanic foods tend to be heavy on carbohydrates and saturated fats. They can also be high in calories, especially because of the way they are prepared. Your diet is one of the first things you have to change after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. This can be a problem if your dietary changes affect the rest of your family. But it can also be a chance for the whole family to adopt healthier habits.
In the United States, the language barrier is a big problem for Hispanic people who speak little to no English if they are looking for or receiving diabetes care. If you don’t speak English, you might ask fewer questions and you might not be able to explain your symptoms to your doctor. In turn, this can negatively affect the quality of medical care you receive.
Take Control of Your Health
You can take control of your health by making lifestyle changes, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes:
- Change your diet. If your family tends to eat foods high in carbohydrates and sugar, choose healthy substitutes. Avoid fried foods and fizzy drinks or juices. Eat less red meat and more vegetables.
- Exercise. When you exercise, your body uses sugar for energy, which helps keep your blood sugar stay at healthy levels. Always talk with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
- Ask your family to support your goals. You may be able to inspire one of your loved ones to take care of their health as well.
- Find a doctor who respects you and your culture and who finds a way to communicate with you, either by speaking Spanish or using a medical interpreter. You should consider asking for an interpreter even if you speak English, so you can clearly understand the medical information your doctor gives you.
- If you don’t have health insurance or are struggling with the cost of diabetes medicine, let your doctor know. Your doctor can recommend resources where you can find discounts and other forms of financial help.
- Take any medicines your doctor prescribes to make sure you keep your blood sugar levels in check.
- Don’t forget to let your doctor know if you’re taking natural supplements or if you want to try any natural therapies. Your doctor can answer any questions you might have.
Show Sources
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SOURCES:
Brookings: “Latinos often lack access to healthcare and have poor health outcomes.”
CDC: “Hispanics or Latinos in the United States and Type 2 Diabetes.”
The diaTribe Foundation: “Why are Hispanics at higher risk for type 2 diabetes?”
Mayo Clinic: “Diabetes Management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar,” “Obesity.”
National Library of Medicine: “Understanding the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the Hispanic population living in the United States.”
