Addressing the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Latino populations: What more can be done?

Kohrt Commons; Plyler Hall

This research will examine Hispanic/Latino populations and determine the effect of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on them. The terms Hispanic and Latino will be defined in terms of persons’ nationalities by referring to ancestral origin and historical events that influence the creation of such terms. Doing so allows the investigation into differences between factors such as lifestyle, environment, culture, and diet that may affect the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This investigation of the origins of the high diabetes prevalence in Latino populations will occur via epidemiological, genetic, sociological, and behavioral investigations. Analyzing this will provide a holistic approach in studying this disparity in Latinos. Lastly, examining past interventions which have attempted to address this disparity have concluded that culturally tailored community programs have had the most success in promoting self-management in Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes.