Diabetes in Hispanic and Latino Communities: Understanding Your Risk and How to Prevent It

Diabetes is a common but preventable health problem, affecting about 1 in 10 people in the U.S. But some groups of people — including Latinos — are more likely than others to have Type 2 diabetes. 

Even though Hispanic and Latino people come from many different countries, races, and cultures, they’re all more likely to get Type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. In fact, about 1 in 6 Hispanic or Latino people in the U.S. have Type 2 diabetes, compared to about 1 in 12 non-Hispanic whites. 

In other words, Hispanics and Latinos are twice as likely to have diabetes than whites. They’re also more likely to get it at a younger age and to have more long-term health issues. 

But there’s some good news: Research shows small changes, like physical activity, food choices, and a healthy weight, can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. Let's take a closer look.

Why is diabetes so common in Latino and Hispanic communities?

It’s not completely clear — especially since scientists don’t know exactly what causes diabetes. It’s likely a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and your life experiences. 

And when it comes to Latino and Hispanic populations, health disparities in the U.S. likely play a role. Health disparities are differences in health caused by social disadvantages, like poverty, racism, as well as language and cultural barriers. And Hispanics are more likely to be uninsured than any other population in the U.S.  

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All of these may make it harder for Latino and Hispanic people to access preventive care for diabetes. And identifying who is at risk can be lifesaving. When prediabetes is found early, diabetes can be delayed and even prevented. 

While it can be challenging to get adequate care, it’s not impossible. Everyone has a right to get medical care in the U.S. — regardless of your insurance or immigration status. And there are steps you can take to decrease your risk for other health conditions that are linked to diabetes — like high cholesterol and obesity.

What are the risk factors for diabetes in Latino and Hispanic adults?

Your diabetes risk is caused by many different things. Here are some of the factors that can raise your risk for Type 2 diabetes:

• Having prediabetes

• Having family members with diabetes

• Being 45 or older

• Having a BMI of 30 or higher 

• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol

• Not being physically active

• Smoking cigarettes

• Having diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)

Some people with Hispanic or Latino heritage may be especially likely to have these risks. For example, Hispanic women are more likely to have a BMI over 30 or gestational diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. There’s also some evidence that Hispanic adults are less likely to get enough physical activity than whites. 

Can susto cause diabetes?

It’s not clear. You may have heard that diabetes can be caused by susto. Susto is an illness where you have emotional or physical problems after experiencing a traumatic or frightening event — like a car accident or the death of a loved one.

Susto can appear days or even years after a scary or emotional experience. And it can cause a range of symptoms, like sadness, sleep problems, headaches, and stomachaches. 

Many Latino and Hispanic people also believe susto can increase your risk for diabetes. But there hasn’t been a lot of research in this area yet. 

So far, there’s some evidence linking trauma and diabetes — especially in women and people with childhood trauma. But more research is needed to fully understand whether there’s a possible connection between susto and diabetes. 

How can you lower your risk of getting diabetes?

Some risk factors for diabetes can’t be changed, like your race, age, and family history. But there are steps you can take to lower your risk. 

Here are the top three things you can do to reduce your risk of getting diabetes:

• Eat a nutritious diet. Eating nutritious foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower your risk of diabetes. You can also try a plant-based diet or the diabetes plate method (more dietary tips below).

• Move your body. Getting regular physical activity can help to prevent diabetes. It’s also great for your overall mental and physical health. 

• Maintain a healthy weight. If a healthcare provider has told you that you have a high body weight, losing weight may lower your diabetes risk. But keep in mind that body size doesn’t tell the whole picture about your health. There are lots of ways to be healthy at any size.

If you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, but you think you may be at risk, take this 1-minute prediabetes risk test (in Spanish and English). Early detection can help you take steps to prevent long-term complications from diabetes. And with a combination of diet, physical activity, and weight loss, it’s possible to reverse prediabetes.

What types of foods are best for people with diabetes?

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you may already know that food can have a big impact on your blood sugar and overall health. In fact, food is one of the most important tools you have for managing your diabetes. And the good news is that you can adapt these dietary recommendations to your food preferences.

Some of the best foods for people with diabetes are:

• Non-starchy vegetables

• Fresh fruits

• Whole grains

• Lean proteins

• Nonfat or low-fat dairy products

No food is completely off limits. But it can be helpful to limit:

• White bread, pasta, or rice

• Processed meats

• Fast food

• Food or drinks with added sugar

• High-fat foods

• Saturated fat, like red meat and butter

And if you like to cook and eat Latino and Hispanic foods, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a great resource. The ADA Diabetes Food Hub has many Latin American and Mexican diabetes-friendly recipes, both in English and Spanish. You can also save your favorite recipes and create meal plans and grocery lists.  

When to talk to your healthcare provider about diabetes

If you’re concerned about diabetes for any reason, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand whether or not to get tested for diabetes. 

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased hunger and thirst

• Weight loss

• Frequent urination

• Dry mouth

• Feeling tired

• Blurry vision

Depending on your symptoms, your age, and your risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend diabetes testing. They can also help you understand your test results and put together a plan for next steps.  

And keep in mind that everyone has a right to get medical care in the U.S. — no matter your insurance or immigration status. Healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive, but there are organizations that provide care at little to no cost. This includes free clinics and federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs). 

How to support a Spanish-speaking family member with diabetes

Getting a diagnosis of diabetes can be scary and stressful. But a diagnosis also brings helpful recommendations and tips to help people feel better. 

There are lots of ways you can support a loved one in their diabetes management — from learning about the signs of low blood sugar to being a good listener. 

And if your friend or family member feels most comfortable speaking Spanish, you can be a language advocate for them. Here are some ways to help coordinate diabetes care in Spanish:

• Ask your friends and family. Talking to people in your community can help you get a trustworthy referral. 

• Talk to your insurance company. Your health insurance provider might be able to help you find a Spanish-speaking provider in your area. 

• Reach out to the National Hispanic Family Health Helpline. The Su Familia helpline (1-866-783-2645) provides free, reliable information in both Spanish and English. The staff can also help connect you with local services in your community. 

And keep in mind: If you can’t find a Spanish-speaking provider, you may have a right to an interpreter. A free interpreter is required by law in some states, like California and New York. It’s also required by federal law in any clinic or hospital that gets money from the U.S. government. 

Diabetes resources for Latino and Hispanic people (in Spanish and English)

Good communication with your healthcare provider helps to make sure you get and understand the care you deserve. On the most basic level, successful communication means patients and providers understand each other. And there’s some evidence that being able to speak to your provider in your native language may lead to better outcomes.

There are many diabetes resources available in English and Spanish, both in person and online. Here are a few to get you started:

• ADA Living with Type 2 Diabetes program: This is a free year-long program for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Programs are available in both English and Spanish.  

• Diabetes self-management program (Manejo personal de la diabetes): This 6-week support program is recognized by the ADA for people with Type 2 diabetes. 

• Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES): The ADCES website has information in Spanish that you can read, print, and share. Topic areas include self-care, diabetes management, and mental health resources. 

• Let’s Prevent Diabetes (Prevangamos la diabetes): This is a program from the CDC that’s presented by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health in a bilingual format. It’s available at several partner sites across the U.S.  

• CDC Road to Health Toolkit (Kit El camino hacia la buena salud): This is a Spanish-language toolkit for community diabetes educators with many different types of resources.   

• Learning About Diabetes, Inc.: This website provides simple, easy-to-understand information about diabetes in both Spanish and English.  

And don’t forget to check with your healthcare provider, local clinic, or hospital. Ask about patient education materials, classes, or workshops about diabetes. Many clinics and hospitals offer these for free, and often in multiple languages. 

We have diabetes information in Spanish here at GoodRx, too. 

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Written by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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