Hispanics disproportionately affected by diabetes

Jane Rowan

According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report from the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), approximately 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes with 8.1 million of those people being undiagnosed.

Similarly in Texas, approximately 1.8 million adults have diabetes with 440,468 of those being undiagnosed. 

In Texas, Hispanic/Latinos are disproportionately burdened by diabetes. For Hispanic/Latino adults over 18 years of age, rates are higher (11 percent) than their White, non-Hispanic counterparts (8.2 percent). Hispanic/Latinos are a growing segment of the US population, with higher rates of diabetes prevalence, mortality, and disease complications compared with whites.

Unlike other chronic diseases, a person with type 2 diabetes can manage their disease by following a healthful eating pattern, regular physical activity and developing skills needed to assist in controlling their blood glucose; rather than medication dependency alone. Diabetes education is an integral component in managing the prevalence of diabetes in Texas. 

In an effort to close the gap in this type of diabetes self-management education, Si, Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes! was developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service as a strategy to best reach Hispanic/Latinos with type 2 diabetes. Beginning September 30, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will partner with Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to offer Si, Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes! in Taylor County. 

Key features of Si, Yo Puedo include providing instruction in Spanish with bilingual class leaders, involving family members and emphasizing cultural dietary preferences. In addition to this approach, a central aim of Sí, Yo Puedo is to empower Hispanic/Latinos to successfully manage their diabetes. Through the series, participants see improvements in diabetes knowledge, diabetes self-care habits, self-confidence, and quality of life. Together, these health enhancements will likely lead to better blood glucose control.

The seven-week series will begin Saturday and will meet weekly from 9-11 a.m. at Mercy Health Care Clinic, 1902 Shelton St. Lessons will include: What Is Diabetes; Checking Your Blood Glucose Levels; Eat Healthy with Diabetes; Be Active with Diabetes; Medicines and Diabetes; and Preventing Diabetes Problems. The class will be taught in Spanish and is free of charge.

For more details about Si, Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes! or to register, contact Jazmine Medrano at 325-672-0495 or e-mail medra223@gmail.com. You may also contact the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-672-6048 or l-rowan@tamu.edu for information.