Why are Hispanic Americans at increased risk for T2D?

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder that occurs when blood glucose or blood sugar levels are too high for long periods of time. Blood glucose is the main source of energy for cells throughout the body. When blood glucose levels remain too high for too long, it damages the body. The eyes, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and many other parts of the body can be damaged by consistently high blood glucose levels. Vision loss, heart disease, nerve problems, foot problems, and many other complications can occur as a result of uncontrolled blood glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes usually occurs when a person has insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by an organ called the pancreas. Insulin performs several important functions, but the main function is to move glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells. Insulin is sometimes described as a key that opens up cells to allow glucose to move inside.

When a person has insulin resistance, cells do not respond to insulin and blood glucose remains in the bloodstream. This leads to the problems described above.

Several factors put a person at risk for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. These include being overweight or obese, too little physical activity, family history of type 2 diabetes, and being over the age of 45.

An important risk factor for type 2 diabetes is a person’s race or ethnicity. Black Americans, Hispanic or Latino Americans, American Indian, Pacific Island, and Alaska Native persons are all at an increased risk of having type 2 diabetes.

Here, we look at the contributing factors and unique challenges of type 2 diabetes for Hispanic and Latino persons.

Contributing factors

Genetics, diet, and socioeconomic factors contribute to greater risk of type 2 diabetes among Hispanic and Latino Americans.

• Genetics. Certain genetic factors that are more common in Hispanic populations may increase a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Diet. Diets high in processed foods, sugary beverages, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates are a major contributing factor to type 2 diabetes. People who have moved to America from another part of the world often adopt less healthy Western diets and move away from traditional foods that may have been more protective against type 2 diabetes.
• Socioeconomic factors. Hispanic Americans experience higher rates of poverty, and lower income is associated with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Hispanic Americans are also more likely to work jobs with higher health risks. Factors like discrimination and immigration status concerns are also associated with higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

Unique Challenges

Hispanic and Latino American also face unique challenges when managing diabetes and other aspects of healthcare.

• Language barriers can make it more difficult to communicate with healthcare providers. Language barriers can also limit access to diabetes education materials, counseling about nutrition, and information about disease prevention and treatment.
• Cultural beliefs about health conditions may prevent a person from seeking treatment. For example, concerns about stigma or social exclusion for having type 2 diabetes.
• Limited access to healthcare, including lack of insurance, concerns about documentation, limited availability of culturally competent providers, and geographic barriers in rural areas.
• Family and friends can be helpful but also challenging. Strong family networks can provide support, but family and friends may also encourage unhealthy eating habits or create social pressure around food that makes diabetes management difficult.

Addressing these contributing factors and challenges requires culturally competent care that considers language barriers, cultural values, and economic realities as well as individual needs.