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Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the country, impacting 38 million adults in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The long-lasting condition also contributes to heart disease and cancer.
That is why it’s important to address the non-medical drivers of health – such as access to transportation, healthy foods, and green spaces for safe play and exercise – which can influence risk for diabetes, especially for those genetically predisposed to it.
Let’s dive into some new studies that explore diabetes and its impact on Latinos and all people.
1. Socioeconomic Disparities and Diabetes
Poverty can be a huge factor in the development of diabetes, especially in early childhood with those who experience food insecurity.
Due to systemic issues that impact quality of living, there are a disproportionate number of people of color who live in poverty, making them more susceptible to diabetes and obesity.
A new study found a correlation between socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and diabetes.
The study reported that Black, Latino, and other adults had a 47%, 31%, and 76% higher prevalence of diabetes than white adults.
Meanwhile, those from low and middle socioeconomic backgrounds experienced a 37% and 22% higher prevalence of diabetes.
What’s more, Black, Latino, and other adults aged 45-64 had a 45%, 34%, and 78% higher prevalence of diabetes, compared to the 57% and 32% higher prevalence of diabetes for low and middle socioeconomic backgrounds.
These numbers were consistent with minority adults aged 65-79.
In the end, researchers concluded that “minority groups, middle and older-aged adults, males from minority groups, and females from low socioeconomic backgrounds had a greater prevalence of diabetes” and more should be done to address these disparities.
2. Sugary Drinks Linked to New Cases of Diabetes Worldwide
For several years, medical professionals and researchers have studied the link between sugary drink consumption and health.
The consensus is that drinking large amounts of soda and juice can increase adverse health risks , such as diabetes, for children and adults.
For instance, one study found that having more than two of these beverages daily can increase your risk for prediabetes.
Between targeted ads and higher exposure to unsafe drinking water, Latinos and other groups are particularly vulnerable when it comes to the consumption of sugary drinks.
The same study found that Latinos who drink more than two sugary beverages a day are 1.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with prediabetes.
A recent global study published by Nurture Medicine found that drink consumption was responsible for 2.2 million new cases of diabetes and 1.1 million new cases of heart disease a year.
Many of these new cases were situated in Latin America and the Caribbean, which have high populations of Hispanic/Latinos, Black, and Afro-Latinos individuals.
The new cases in these areas accounted for 24% of new type 2 diabetes cases in 2020.
In addition, sugary drinks contributed to nearly half (48%) of new diabetes cases in Colombia and nearly 25% of new cases in Mexico.
“Sugar-sweetened beverages are heavily marketed and sold in low- and middle-income nations,” Dariush Mozaffarian, one of the paper’s authors, told The Guardian. “Not only are these communities consuming harmful products, but they are also often less well equipped to deal with the long-term health consequences.”
3. Use of Artificial Intelligence for Diabetes
Since the pandemic, the US has found new ways to increase access to healthcare.
Many of those have been using technology to advance healthcare whether it be through telehealth appointments and studies or revolutionizing existing technologies to work for patient care.
This next study sees an opportunity to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help make predictions and medical diagnosis for diabetes and all the complications that come with it.
The study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology explores the possibilities of using AI to help improve the prediction and diagnosis of six significant complications of diabetes (gestational diabetes, hypoglycemia in the hospital, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot ulcers, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy).
The research suggests that AI could potentially improve areas such as screening and diagnosis, improve quality of life, and decrease healthcare costs.
What’s more, there is evidence that supports AI could have a larger role in diabetes management, such as the use of activity monitors, leading to better treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.
While implementation and potential differ between the diagnoses, researchers concluded that the possibilities that AI hold to overhaul diabetes care are endless and essential for creating precision medicine for diabetes.
What Does Diabetes Look Like Where You Live?
What are some of the factors contributing to higher rates of diabetes in your neighborhood?
Explore non-medical drivers of health, such as education, housing, the environment, and more, in your area by downloading a free Health Equity Report Card from Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio.
The Health Equity Report Card allows you to dive into some of these important topics in relation to where you live and breaks it down for you in easy-to-read graphs, charts, and maps.
Use these tools to create a neighborhood campaign or share with local leaders to start change where you live!
By The Numbers
142
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Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years