To manage type 2 diabetes, you need a strategy that includes eating a healthy diet, exercising, taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed, keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels, and counting on a culturally competent care team.

Care providers who are culturally competent understand that their patients come from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Culturally competent providers acknowledge conscious and unconscious biases so they can take steps to overcome them. They are also willing to adapt medical care to each person’s social, cultural, and linguistic needs.

You know you’re in good hands if your doctor offers you a medical interpreter before you even ask for one. A culturally competent doctor speaks directly to you, not to the interpreter, and makes sure to set a pace that lets the interpreter do the job well. A culturally competent doctor also makes sure you’re comfortable with and understand all the information you’ve received.

The people who work in your doctor’s office are warm and helpful. Your doctor makes sure to employ people who are Hispanic or bilingual so Spanish-speaking patients feel comfortable and well cared for. Your doctor makes an effort to communicate with you in Spanish or offers a medical interpreter to you so you can follow your treatment plan correctly.

Your doctor’s office has bilingual or Spanish-language forms available, so you can easily figure out what information your doctor needs from you. Your doctor also has medical literature, educational materials, and brochures about type 2 diabetes translated into Spanish so you can stay on top of what you need to keep your blood sugar under control.

Your doctor’s office offers evening hours, so you don’t have to miss work every time you have an appointment. Your doctor also offers virtual visits when it makes sense and sees patients in the order they check in instead of at fixed appointment times.

Your doctor recommends other Spanish-speaking health professionals, such as a diabetes care and education specialist. This type of specialist can provide you with the information you need to monitor your blood sugar daily and answer any questions you have about insulin and other diabetes medications.

Your doctor recommends helpful resources for Spanish-speaking patients, such as recipes for healthy versions of your favorite dishes and support groups for Spanish speakers. Your doctor doesn’t make assumptions about you just because you’re Hispanic. Your doctor also takes the time to understand your specific financial situation, work schedule, and time constraints and makes recommendations that work for you.

Culturally competent doctors understand the stigma attached to mental health issues in the Hispanic community. Even if it makes sense for you to talk with a mental health professional, your doctor understands that it might be difficult for you. A culturally competent doctor won’t pressure you if you’re not ready to take that step.

Your doctor always makes you feel heard and respected. During appointments, your doctor takes your needs and concerns into account. Your doctor never makes assumptions about you, especially about your culture, race, or ethnicity. Your doctor never stereotypes you in any way or makes comments that make you feel uncomfortable.