Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Chicana and Chicano StudiesLatino Health Issues

Diabetes 101: A Guide to Understanding Diabetes for Latinos

Symptoms
Type I Diabetes
Type II Diabetes
Complications
Prevention and Control
 
Bibliography

Welcome,

My name is Christian and I am a student at ASU. I dedicate this web page to Latinos who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and their families, in an effort to provide them with simple and basic information on diabetes. Here, you will understand what diabetes is, the different types of diabetes there are, symptoms, and tips on prevention and control of diabetes. My goal is to promote lifestyle changing behaviors to prevent and control diabetes among Latinos by providing them with basic, yet imperative information on diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. Sugar builds up in unusually high levels, because insulin is not used properly or produced at all to break down this sugar and provide energy to body cells.

Incidence and Prevalence Among Latinos

  • Overall, Latinos are 2-4 times more likely to have diabetes
  • 2 million (8.2%) of Latino Americans have aged 20 years or older have diabetes.

Mexican-Americansman injecting insulin

  • 24% have diabetes (ages 45-74)
  • 1 in 4 have diabetes
  • Incidence rate 120% higher compared to other subgroups

Puerto Ricans

  • 26% have diabetes (ages 45-74)
  • 1 in 4 have diabetes
  • Incidence rate 110% higher compared to other subgroups

Cubans

  • 16% have diabetes (ages 45-74)
  • 1 in 6 have diabetes
  • Incidence rate 50-60% higher compared to other subgroups

 

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Accessibility | Privacy | ASU Disclaimer This site was created by Christian Sosa in fulfillment of requirements for the course CSS 335: Latino Health Issues taught by Dr. Szkupinski Quiroga at Arizona State University, Spring 2005.