A look at the impact of Type 2 Diabetes on minority populations and how to manage the condition through a culturally relevant lens.
POWER IN NUMBERS
Type II diabetes cross cultural impact
9.2% of Asian Americans are impacted by type 2 diabetes.
7.5% of non-Hispanic whites 18 and older are impacted by type 2 diabetes.
14.7% of American Indians/Alaska natives are impacted by type 2 diabetes.
12.5% of Hispanics are impacted by type 2 diabetes.
11.7% of non-Hispanic Blacks are impacted by type 2 diabetes.
COMMON
CHARACTERISTICS
Genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors put BIPOC Americans at greater risk for type 2 diabetes complications:
Genetic predispositions
Genes that make a person more likely to develop diabetes and gain weight (a risk factor for diabetes) are more common among BIPOC populations.
BIPOC Americans
are at a greater risk for poverty or living closer to the poverty threshold, which increases the risk of obesity and T2D.
BIPOC Americans
are more likely to live in communities exposed to higher levels of air pollution, which has been linked to insulin resistance and T2D.
PROACTIVE PLANNING
For anyone who is overweight or obese, losing 5 to 10 percent of body weight can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes or make type 2 diabetes easier to manage.
MYTHS &
MISINFORMATION
Dispelling misinformation may help individuals understand and reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.
Myth: If my family members have diabetes, I will also have diabetes.
Fact: The risk of diabetes runs in families, but diabetes is not inevitable. Adopting healthy eating and lifestyle habits reduces risk.
Myth: If I am not overweight, I am not at risk for Type 2 Diabetes.
Fact: Being overweight is a significant risk factor, but it’s not the only risk factor. T2D also affects many people who are not overweight.
PROACTIVE PLANNING
Preventing and managing type 2 diabetes is about controlling what you can control. Diabetes-friendly foods are something a person can begin learning about—and eating—today.
SOCIAL
STIGMAS
Stigma refers to unfair attitudes, judgments, and discrimination. Stigma is often caused by misinformation, and it can vary between different communities. Better knowledge and awareness are essential to reducing stigma.
Experiencing stigma can be harmful to a person’s mental health and may make it more difficult for a person with T2D to take care of their health.
A person who feels stigmatized may be less likely to check their blood sugar or take a needed dose of their medication when they are around other people.
PROACTIVE PLANNING
Support from loved ones, counseling, and connecting with other people who have diabetes can be valuable tools for counteracting stigma—and better managing diabetes.
CULTURALLY
COMPETENT CARE
In healthcare settings, culturally relevant knowledge, awareness, and education are essential to helping people successfully manage diabetes.
The role of knowledge.
The term “culturally competent care” refers to healthcare and healthcare providers that recognize and respect the diverse beliefs, values, life experiences, and communication styles that exist within different communities.
The role of awareness.
Working with healthcare providers who understand and acknowledge the challenges that BIPOC Americans face when managing type 2 diabetes can lead to better diabetes management for individuals and communities.
The role of education.
Patient education and self-management strategies are essential to successfully managing type 2 diabetes. Education should be culturally relevant and delivered by individuals that have relatable backgrounds and experiences.
PROACTIVE PLANNING
If possible, seek out healthcare providers who have relatable backgrounds and experiences, or healthcare providers who are dedicated to understanding the experience of people who are a part of America’s BIPOC communities.
WORDS OF
WISDOM
Type 2 diabetes is challenging. Adopting the right mindset and the right strategies can help you meet the challenges you’ll face.
Getting Started
Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming. There are so many things you don’t know at first. There are so many things you need to do. But everything you will need to learn or do begins with a small step. Checking a nutrition label. Going for a walk. Using a glucose meter for the first time. If you can manage the small steps, you can manage diabetes.
Finding Support
A support network can include friends, family, and other people with diabetes you meet through support groups. Invest in the relationships with people who help you embrace healthy habits, who offer encouragement, who know how to listen. Managing diabetes takes work, and having people in your life that you can rely on—and who can rely on you—can make a difference.
