DIABETES AMONG LATINOS ON THE RISE....DON'T BE IGNORANT OF SYMPTOMS

I did some research via the American Diabetes Association regarding Diabetes among Latinos in the USA and was amazed to find out what high percentage are becoming diabetic. Diabetes is a disease that effects the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin, the hormone that allows blood sugar to enter body cells and be used for energy.

There are three types of diabetes: type-1, type-2, and gestational diabetes. Type-1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent account for about 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type-2 diabetes, or non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes in general as well as in the Latino community accounting for 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases. The risk factors for type-2 diabetes include older age, obesity, family history, physical inactivity as well as race and/or ethnicity.

The biggest issue within the Latino community is that so many do not recognize the symptoms. The symptoms are easily dismissed as harmless and many do not follow up with their doctors, if they did most cases would be recognized as diabetes.

For example, some of the symptoms include A) frequent urination B) excessive thirst C) extreme hunger D) unusual weight loss E) increased fatigue F) irritability G) blurry vision. Because the symptoms can be from so many other causes many will dismiss them and will not follow-thru on getting a diagnosis.

Currently Latinos have a 1.5 times higher percentage versus a non-Latino whites to have

Type 2 diabetes which is the most common. This type of diabetes is when the body fails to properly use insulin. Today, 8.2 of all Latinos of age 20 or older have diabetes. And in the age range of 45 to 74, the following is the current statistics: 16% of Cuban Americans, 24% of Mexican Americans and 26% of Puerto Ricans in this age category have diabetes.

What is needed? According to the American Diabetes Association Latinos can take the following steps to be more aware and act on the symptoms.

In ideal circumstances, Latino Americans with diabetes will have their disease under good control and be monitored frequently by a health care team knowledgeable in the care of diabetes.

Patient education is critical. People with diabetes can reduce their risk for complications if they are educated about their disease, learn and practice the skills necessary to better control their blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and receive regular checkups from their health care team. Smokers should stop smoking, and overweight Latino Americans should develop moderate exercise regimens under the guidance of a health care provider to help them achieve a healthy weight.

People with diabetes, with the help of their health care providers, should set goals for better control of blood glucose levels, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Health care team education is vital. Because people with diabetes have a multi-system chronic disease, they are best monitored and managed by highly skilled health care professionals trained with the latest information on diabetes to help ensure early detection and appropriate treatment of the serious complications of the disease. A team approach to treating and monitoring this disease serves the best interests of the patient.

It is time for Us to stop being ignorant, or lazy and act on our symptoms. See a qualified doctor that can help you as soon as possible. You may also call the toll free number of the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETE (342-2383) May God Bless You All.

Domingo Ivan Casañas