Hispanic/Latino Americans and Type 2 Diabetes

Hispanic/Latino Americans include people of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South and Central American, and other Spanish cultures, and all races. Each group has its own history and traditions, but all have a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

But there’s good news. People at risk who lose a modest amount of weight and get regular physical activity can cut their risk for developing type 2 diabetes in half. Modest weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, just 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. A lifestyle change program offered through the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program can help you make those changes—and make them stick. Find a lifestyle change program near you (or online).

If you have diabetes, there’s also help available for dealing with daily diabetes care. Ask your doctor for a referral to diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services. DSMES has many benefits, from improving blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to enhancing quality of life. Find out more in our latest feature.