Hispanics more likely to get Diabetes

         According to the World Health Organization, there are 346 million people worldwide who have diabetes and 10% of all adults are expected to have it by 2030, making it the seventh biggest cause of death. Diabetes affects many Hispanics in the U.S. disproportionately. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) examined Hispanics with diabetes in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Puerto Rico-- from 1998 to 2002. The CDC investigation discovered that Hispanics have double the risk of getting diabetes compared with non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics get diabetes at a younger age, but the possibility of getting diabetes decreases for college-educated Hispanics.  Diabetes is a  genetic and socioeconomic problem.

    Early testing can reduce the risk of problems. Dr. Steven Edelman, of the San Diego School of Medicine told NBC News, "If you don't treat it, your blood sugar gets too high, and blood sugar circulating in your body for years and years that's too high can lead to complications: Eye, kidney and nerve disease." Keeping a healthy body weight, exercising at least 30 minutes a day, eating balanced meals and avoiding tobacco can prevent the start of Type 2 Diabetes.

   "It's all about changing behavior, which is especially difficult with language and cultural barriers," said Hilda Rivera of PinnacleHealth Organization,"Often I'll hear, 'my dad or grandma had diabetes, so I knew I was going to get it.' People need to understand (by) staying active and eating healthy, you (can) control your diabetes so you don't have to lose your leg or go blind."

-Huffington Post