Background: When compared to other population groups, the Latino population has an excess prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Among Latinos adults (45-74y) from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES), 26% of Puerto Ricans and 24% of Mexican Americans had T2DM, in contrast to 12% of the non-Hispanic whites (NHW) of the same age group from the Second National HANES. Method: Cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 379 Puerto Ricans, 113 Dominicans and a comparison group of 164 NHW elders (60+ y) from the state of Massachusetts. Results: T2DM was significantly more prevalent among Puerto Ricans (38%), and Dominicans (35%) than NHWs (23%). Differences remained after adjustment for socio-economic and health factors. Latinos with T2DM were approximately 3 times more likely to use insulin than NHWs. Puerto Ricans were 2, and Dominicans 3 times, more likely to have glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations >7% than NHWs.Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were individually associated with diabetes. When included in a model together, WC but not BMI remained independently associated with diabetes. Conclusion, we found that ethnicity was more strongly associated with diabetes status and control than socio-economic or measured health behavior variables. These Latino groups require proper and culturally acceptable care of their diabetes, including education and surveillance of risk factors that may be making them more susceptible to suffer this chronic condition.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to identify at least two health - and two nutritional risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly Latino individuals
Keywords: Latinos, Diabetes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.