Populations at Risk for Diabetes: How to Manage the Epidemic

Type 2 diabetes is an epidemic, and it’s something that’s affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, these tips can help you better manage the condition, whether you’re doing it alone or with help from a doctor. While there is no cure yet, with proper management, people with diabetes can still lead healthy lives and enjoy the same quality of life as anyone else.

Low-Income Populations

The incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in populations with low incomes. This is due to a number of factors, including limited access to healthy food, unhealthy food options in food deserts, and high levels of poverty that discourage physical activity. The most common risk factor among people with low income who have type 2 diabetes is obesity, which can be caused by an inactive lifestyle and poor diet. Additionally, because these populations often have less access to medical care, they are more likely than others living in similar circumstances to delay or not receive treatment.

African Americans

Native Americans are one of the most vulnerable populations in North America. They experience a disproportionately high rate of diabetes, with about 1 in 3 adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 

Due to genetic and environmental factors, indigenous peoples are 10 times more likely than non-indigenous people to develop type 2 diabetes. 

In order to keep up with this increasing prevalence, Native American communities need culturally appropriate care including education from both physicians and community health workers. 

It is important that healthcare providers be aware of what resources exist outside their own communities, so that they can refer patients to programs that offer culturally sensitive care.

Hispanics/Latinos

Diabetes is a serious health problem in the United States and Latin America. Hispanics and Latinos are at an increased risk of developing diabetes due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Hispanics/Latinos are a diverse population with varying levels of risk for diabetes, so it is important to understand how this population can be identified and educated about ways they can protect themselves from getting diabetes. There are different ways that people can take care of their diet, exercise more often, or get help from medical professionals when they think they might have diabetes.

Native Americans

Diabetes is a serious risk for Native Americans. In fact, it's estimated that up to one in four adult Native Americans have diabetes, which is double the national average. An additional 16% of adult Native Americans are thought to be pre-diabetic. Why is this? A lot of it has to do with lifestyle changes and a lack of understanding about what types of foods they should be eating and how much they should exercise. There's also an under-diagnosis issue among these populations because doctors don't always know what signs or symptoms to look out for.

Asian Americans

Prevention efforts should focus on patients who are overweight or obese, those who have risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of diabetes, high levels of C-reactive protein, low levels of physical activity, or previous gestational diabetes. Patients should be screened with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) testing every 3 years starting at age 45 years old and every 5 years if levels are normal or near normal.

Pacific Islanders

In a study of Pacific Islanders, researchers found that diabetes was linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Pacific Islanders are also at risk for type 2 diabetes due to their genetic ancestry and traditional diet. It is important for Pacific Islanders to maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy foods, and get enough exercise. These are all good habits that can help prevent diabetes in this population.

Women

Diabetes can affect women differently than men, and is more common in women who are of child-bearing age. Women need to be aware of the risks that come with pregnancy and postpartum in order to manage their diabetes. Having gestational diabetes during a woman’s pregnancy puts her baby at risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. The mother may also experience high blood sugar levels while pregnant, which may lead to gestational diabetes.