Sociocultural context of diabetes in Peru

The rise in newly diagnosed cases of diabetes mellitus is a public health problem around the world. By 2025, the prevalence rate for diabetes in Latin America is expected to be 8.1%, affecting more than 39 million people. Little information exists regarding the sociocultural context of diabetes in Peru. This study explored social, cultural, and economic factors that impact knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about diabetes and diabetes management in Peru. Using an observational design, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adult patients with diabetes from the endocrinology clinic of Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. One-third of the respondents spoke a native language (Quechua) in addition to Spanish, three-fourths had not finished high school, and most lived with extended family. Only two respondents had formal economy jobs, and only one-fifth had health insurance. One-fourth of respondents did not know what type of diabetes they had, and another one-fourth reported having “emotional diabetes,” supposedly caused by too much emotional stress. None used glucometers to measure blood sugar levels; some were familiar with glucometers but could not afford the test strips. Other signs of high blood sugar included fatigue and sweet taste of urine. Poverty and family dietary customs often impeded the ability to follow dietary recommendations. Some respondents reported using traditional herbal remedies that were believed to maintain blood sugar levels. The use of insulin injections carried a strong social stigma, being associated with drug addiction. Diabetes education and treatment in Peru should take these factors into account.