Latinos and diabetes

Diabetes in the Latino community
The Latino Journal E-News, August 17, 2009

Latinos suffer from a very high incidence of diabetes. But, what is diabetes and why should we be concerned?

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability for Latinos in the United States. There are actually two types of Diabetes: Type 1, which results when the body's immune system attacks and destroys its own insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas; and, Type 2, which occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot us the insulin it makes effectively. Of the two, Type 2 is the most common, comprising 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

People are at risk to develop Type 2 diabetes if they:

* Have a family history of diabetes;
* Are Latino;
* Are overweight or obese;
* Are 45 years of age or older;
* Have had diabetes while pregnant (also known as gestational diabetes);
* Have high blood pressure;
* Have abnormal cholesterol levels;
* Are not getting enough physical activity;
* Have polycystic ovary syndrome;
* Have blood vessel problems affecting the heart, brain, or legs; or,
* Have dark, thick and velvety patches of skin around the neck and armpits.

So how many Latinos in the U.S. suffer from diabetes? The National Diabetes Education Program estimates that 10.4 percent of all Latinos, ages 20 and older, have been diagnosed with diabetes. Of the 10.4 percent, those of Mexican descent comprise the largest number with diagnosed diabetes, followed by Puerto Ricans, Cubans and other Latin American national roots.

Diabetes is a concern in the Latino community because it has been found that about 68 percent of those afflicted die from heart disease or stroke at an early age - that is two to four times higher than adults without diabetes. Smokers are especially vulnerable.

Preventing diabetes and minimizing its related complications is based on a self-managed effort, meaning any person afflicted with the disease must take personal responsibility for their day-to-day care. Adults at age 20 and older should at a minimum:

* Check glucose levels at least twice a year, ensuring that readings do not exceed 120 while fasting and 180 after meals;
* Check blood pressure levels at every doctor visit, ensuring pressure levels are maintained below 130/80; and,
* Check cholesterol levels at least once a year, ensuring levels of LDL do not exceed 200.

In addition, adults age 20 and older should ensure that:

* They lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (that equates to 10 to 40 pounds for a person who weighs 200 pounds and is clearly overweight;
* Be physically active for at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week (brisk walking for example); and,
* Enjoy healthier and natural foods, high in caloric values and protein, and low in refined sugars and enriched flour (the brighter the color, the healthier it is).

For more information about preventing and controlling diabetes, call 1-888-693- 6337 or visit the National Diabetes Education Program website at www.yourdiabetesinfo.org.