INFOGRAPHIC

Hispanic and Latino Americans: What to Know About Type 2 Diabetes

Reviewed by Tama Porter, M.D.
February 26, 2025
Facts About Hispanic/Latino Americans and Type 2 Diabetes Hispanic and Latino American adults are about 1.6x more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults. They also have also a higher risk of diabetes complications such as: Vision impairment End-stage renal (kidney) disease Hospitalization Death Diabetes risk factors include: Obesity Insulin resistance Not having having health insurance Other social and cultural factors, like income level, language barriers, healthcare access, and lack of confidence in the healthcare system What you can do: Stay active Don’t smoke Eat a balanced diet that’s easy for you to maintain Get regular checkups, including eye and foot exams Find and work with a culturally competent healthcare provider who makes you comfortable Monitor your blood sugar (glucose), if your doctor has advised you to Take all medications as directed Manage stress levels Get adequate sleep Ensure you have healthcare coverage Who can help: Your primary healthcare provider A registered dietitian An endocrinologist A diabetes educator A social worker or case worker Resources: Latino Diabetes Association Centers for Disease Control and Prevention American Diabetes Association National Alliance for Hispanic Health

If you’re Latino or Hispanic, here’s what to know about your risk for type 2 diabetes and ways to feel more empowered in managing your health.

1. Your Risk of Diabetes May Be Higher Than Average

According to CDC data from 2022, 11.5% of Hispanic/Latino adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes. That’s higher than the average (10%) in the general population, and 1.6 times the likelihood of non-Hispanic white adults.

Hispanic and Latino adults may also be at increased risk for complications of diabetes, including:

  • Vision impairment
  • End-stage renal (kidney) disease
  • Hospitalization
  • Death

2. You Can Help Decrease Your Risk of Diabetes or Complications

Many societal factors are outside a person’s individual control, including racism, language barriers, and disparities in access to healthcare, wealth, nourishing food, and more. These can affect health outcomes. Other risk factors, like genetics and age, can’t be changed.

But at the same time, you can help influence your health outcomes in many ways, too. Among the Hispanic and Latino population, significant risk factors include a lack of healthcare coverage and inadequate understanding of diabetes.

To decrease your risk of developing diabetes or having complications, these strategies may help.

Get or Stay Insured

According to a landmark study called the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), about half of Latinos didn’t have health insurance coverage. Not having insurance can prevent you from getting care you may need.

Talk to a healthcare navigator if you need help finding healthcare coverage or financial assistance for healthcare coverage. The American Diabetes Association also has good resources.

Talk to Your Provider About Getting Tested and the Results

The same study found that 59% of Latino Americans didn’t know they had diabetes. If you have symptoms of diabetes or have been tested for diabetes, it’s important to discuss your health or test results thoroughly with a healthcare provider you trust.

Learn More About Diabetes Risk and Diabetes Care

Fewer than half of people with diabetes in the study had their blood sugar levels under control, which increases the risk of complications. Your healthcare provider, a diabetes educator, or online resources can help you learn more about how to manage blood sugar through diet and exercise, and sometimes medication.

3. Advocating for Your Health Can Make a Difference

These strategies can also help you keep yourself as healthy as possible:

  • Find a healthcare provider who listens, understands, and supports you.
  • Find a Spanish-speaking provider or interpreter if you need one or want one.
  • Learn as much as you can about diabetes from your healthcare provider, community members, and trusted online resources.
  • Follow lifestyle guidelines for preventing and managing diabetes, including getting enough exercise, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and eating a well-balanced diet that’s low in sugar and high in non-starchy vegetables and protein.
  • Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly if you have diabetes.
  • Be your strongest advocate in the doctor’s office by requesting all screening tests if you have or are at risk for diabetes. These may include A1C tests and foot and eye exams.
  • Take any medications as your healthcare provider directs you to.
  • Talk to your provider if you’re having trouble obtaining or taking your medication as prescribed for any reason. Many doctor’s offices have social workers or case workers who are able to help people navigate the health system and can often help people get access to their medications.
  • Work with a registered dietitian who can offer you recipes and tips that incorporate or modify your favorite foods.

4. Resources Are Available for Support

You may find these resources helpful for further information or support: