There are two types of diabetes. Type I is the childhood onset form and is always insulin dependent. The other, Type II, is the most common form of diabetes and is the most common form among the Latino population. Type II develops as a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin. The body cannot metabolize the glucose and therefore the glucose cannot be converted into energy. This conversion cannot take place because the insulin amount in the body is too low.
Type II is a non-insulin dependent form of diabetes, but occasionally some cases need daily insulin therapy. People with Type I diabetes need insulin injections; however, Type II diabetes are treated by oral medications, diet and exercise.
Latinos are also not properly educated about diabetes because some programs are ignorant of Latino cultures and beliefs. The Latino community holds certain family traditions that are not recognized in white families and are therefore not addressed. For example, curanderasaddress the connection between body and spirit. Researcher Kathleen Rand Reed says that Hispanics often "mistrust the Anglo-Western medical model because it does not accept folk healing, their internal way."
A study was done in Boston about Latinos and diabetes care. The study found that diabetic patients were not well-educated in the risks of diabetes. Diabetes can cause foot and leg problems that can result in amputations. In addition, diabetes also causes blindness. The patients in the Boston community did not have foot and eye care. Education about diet and exercise as means of prevention was not seen. The non-existence of proper health care and awareness about diabetes is related to the lack of Spanish-speaking educators.
In order to make diabetes preventable and to inhibit its onset, education programs need to be developed that specifically address Latino populations. Spanish-speaking physicians and counselors who are also bicultural need to address these communities. Non-Latino physicians and counselors need to be educated in Latino culture so stereotypes can be erased. In summary, Latino culture needs to be made aware of, so educational programs can meet their needs.
One central California program did just this and the families that took part in it benefited greatly. Their knowledge about diabetes increased and they learned the preventive measures that help in reducing the development of the disease. Programs that are designed with the Latino community in mind work and more of these programs may help lower the prevalence of diabetes in Latino communities.
Type II diabetes can be prevented or controlled by lifestyle changes. Obesity can increase insulin resistance or wipe out insulin effectiveness. Keeping weight under control can significantly reduce the risk of getting diabetes. Although diet has not been a proven link to developing or preventing diabetes, higher fiber consumption seemed to work in lowering insulin requirements and in the absorption of glucose.
Another preventive measure is exercise. Exercise helps protect against the developing of diabetes as well as increasing sensitivity to insulin. Insulin levels are higher and can therefore metabolize glucose better.
Diabetes is a serious disease with serious outcomes. Diabetes is a very serious and a very prevalent disease in the Latino population. It, however, can become less serious and more recognized when education and awareness increase. Educational programs need to specifically address Latinos. Doctors and counselors need to be bilingual so language is not an obstacle, and bicultural so cultural differences are recognized. Prevention is all about education and the more one is educated the less likely a disease will invade a life.
Bibliography
This web page was developed by Kelly
McGowan to fulfill a requirement of the class
CHI 21: Health Issues in the Chicano/Latino Community
taught by Seline Szkupinski Quiroga
in the Chicana & Chicano Studies
Program at the University of California
at Davis, Fall 1998.