Hispanics, Latinos and Type 2 Diabetes Care: Access, Economics, and Culture

Latino Los Angeles01/28/2022

1 minute read

Additionally, rates of mortality and hospitalizations are higher among Hispanics and Latinos compared with Whites.These disparities may be the result of a combination of biological, genetic, sociocultural, and environmental factors.

Despite substantial progress in type 2 diabetes management in recent years, significant racial and ethnic disparities persist in terms of the disease’s prevalence and outcomes.

In Hispanic and Latino communities, rates of type 2 diabetes are more than twice as high compared with Whites, at 17% and 8%, respectively. Complications such as diabetes-related nephropathy and eye disease are also more common among Hispanics and Latinos as a result.

Additionally, rates of mortality and hospitalizations are higher among Hispanics and Latinos compared with Whites.

These disparities may be the result of a combination of biological, genetic, sociocultural, and environmental factors. Endocrinology Advisor explored these issues and potential solutions in an in-depth interview with endocrinologist and researcher A. Enrique Caballero, MD, director of Latino Diabetes Health in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Dr Caballero is also chair of the Health Care Disparities Committee at the American Diabetes Association.

In addition to the higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes, what are the most notable diabetes-related health disparities affecting Latino and Hispanic communities compared with other populations?

The proportion of people with undiagnosed diabetes is higher among Hispanics and Latinos compared with the White population. While roughly two-thirds of people with diabetes in the White population know […]