Transcultural Diabetes Care in The United States – A Position Statement by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) has created a transculturalized diabetes chronic disease care model that is adapted for patients across a spectrum of ethnicities and cultures. AACE has conducted several transcultural activities on global issues in clinical endocrinology and completed a 3-city series of conferences in December 2017 that focused on diabetes care for ethnic minorities in the U.S. Proceedings from the “Diabetes Care Across America” series of transcultural summits are presented here. Information from community leaders, practicing health care professionals, and other stakeholders in diabetes care is analyzed according to biological and environmental factors. Four specific U.S. ethnicities are detailed: African Americans, Latino/Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. A core set of recommendations to culturally adapt diabetes care is presented that emphasizes culturally appropriate terminology, transculturalization of white papers, culturally adapting clinic infrastructure, flexible office hours, behavioral medicine—especially motivational interviewing and building trust—culturally competent nutritional messaging and health literacy, community partnerships for care delivery, technology innovation, clinical trial recruitment and retention of ethnic minorities, and more funding for scientific studies on epigenetic mechanisms of cultural impact on disease expression. It is hoped that through education, research, and clinical practice enhancements, diabetes care can be optimized in terms of precision and clinical outcomes for the individual and U.S. population as a whole.Lay AbstractThe American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) has created a diabetes care model for patients of different backgrounds. AACE led meetings in New York, Houston, and Miami with health care professionals and community leaders to improve diabetes care. Information from these meetings looked at biological and environmental diabetes risks. Four American patient groups were studied: African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. Diabetes care should use culturally appropriate language and search for better ways to apply science and clinic design. Talking to patients more clearly can improve their diabetes control. There are many other needed changes in the American health care system discussed in this paper. It is hoped that through better education, research, and practice, diabetes care can be improved for the entire U.S. population. This means that important differences among patients' ethnic and cultural backgrounds are addressed.Executive Summary

• Cultural adaptation of evidence-based recommendations is a necessary component of optimal diabetes care.
• Biological factors that contribute to the pathophysiology of diabetes vary according to race and ethnicity and can be affected by social determinants that vary with culture.
• The “Transcultural Diabetes Nutrition Algorithm” was developed in 2010 to optimize diabetes nutrition care globally and represents a validated methodology where evidence-based recommendations from a source culture can be adapted and implemented in a different culture using a toolkit.
• The 2015 AACE Pan-American Workshop examined diabetes care in 9 Latin American nations and concluded that there should only be one level of diabetes care for a population and that level should be “excellent;” also, that A1C measurements should be utilized and that more educational and nutritional options are needed to optimize diabetes care.
• The “Diabetes Care Across America – A Series of Transcultural Summits” was an AACE program conducted in 2017 in New York, Houston, and Miami to examine cultural factors that influence diabetes care domestically; the findings of this program are presented here.
• The African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, and Native American populations are each comprised of different ancestries, anthropometrics/body compositions and physical appearances, and cultures and degrees of acculturation, with a significant evidence base that associates specific gene variants with specific phenotypic traits affecting diabetes care.
• For each ethno-cultural population, health messaging and diabetes care will need to consider issues of potential distrust of health care professionals, history of discrimination, religious practices, food preferences, attitudes toward physical activity, and despite the full range of socio-economics, the impact of poverty on engagement, self-monitoring, adherence with lifestyle and medical recommendations, and recruitment for clinical trials.
• Diabetes care should be as precise as possible, incorporating clinical trial evidence that best reflects the ethno-cultural attributes of a specific patient, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease risk mitigation, technology to assess the effects of eating patterns on glycemic status, adjusting traditional eating patterns to more healthy options that are still acceptable to the patient, flexibility in lifestyle and medication recommendations that take into account cultural factors, and the utilization of community-based resources to improve implementation.
• Pragmatic first steps to prepare a diabetes practice for an ethno-culturally diverse patient population include: learning more about biological-cultural interactions; gaining experience with lifestyle and behavioral medicine, especially motivational interviewing; creating a safe and immersive clinical environment; incorporating translation services, social prescribing, wearable technologies, web-based resources, and community engagement; and establishing referral networks with clinical trialists in diabetes research to improve recruitment of different populations.

ABSTRACTAbbreviations: A1C = hemoglobin A1c; AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; ABCD = adiposity-based chronic disease; BMI = body mass index; CPA = clinical practice algorithm; CPG = clinical practice guideline; DBCD = dysglycemia-based chronic disease; DPP = Diabetes Prevention Program; GWAS = genome-wide association study; HCP = health care professional(s); IHS = Indian Health Service; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; MetS = metabolic syndrome; T2D = type 2 diabetes mellitus; tDNA = transcultural Diabetes Nutrition Algorithm; TG = triglyceride; WC = waist circumference     

The Use of Premixed Insulin Analogues in the Treatment of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Advantages and Limitations

Background:Intensive, target-oriented therapy is the standard of care in the management of patients with type 2 diabetesmellitus (DM). Early and aggressive use of insulin that is as close as possible to the physiologic pattern of insulin secretion from healthy pancreatic β-cells is advocated to achieve glycemic goals and reduce complications of DM.Objective:The objective of this article was to review the characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks of premixedinsulin analogues and to evaluate their role in the treatment of patients with type 2 DM.Methods:A PubMed search of articles from 1990 to 2006 was undertaken using the search terms type 2 diabetes, basalbolus therapy, premixed insulins, biphasic insulins, and insulin analogues. Pertinent content from relevant articles was extracted and combined with the authors' knowledge, experience, and clinical expertise.Results:The advent of insulin analogues has streamlined the treatment of patients with DM. When to initiate insulin during the course of treatment is the subject of much debate. Insulin therapy targeting both fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia is important in achieving optimal blood glucose (BG) control in patients with type 2 DM. A practical and feasible option is the use of >1 injection of premixed insulin analogues. Premixed insulin preparations provide both basal and prandial coverage because of their biphasic pharmacokinetic properties. Clinical trials have shown that these agents improve glycemic control, are associated with an acceptably low rate of severe hypoglycemia, and have a high degree of patient acceptance. Limitations include the inability to adjust the long- and short-acting components separately, to use a flexible regimen of self-titration and premeal bolus-insulin calculations, and to adequately treat postlunch and earlymorning BG elevations.Conclusion:Clinicians should be aware of premixed insulin analogues' advantages and limitations so that these agentscan be used appropriately in the treatment of patients with type 2 DM.     

Illness Perception and Clinical Treatment Experiences in Patients with M. Maroteaux-Lamy (Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI) and a Turkish Migration Background in Germany

Introduction

Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease caused by a mutation of the gene for arylsulfatase B (ASB). Of the thirty-one patients registered in Germany, almost fifty percent have a Turkish migration background. MPS VI is treated by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), which is time-consuming and expensive.

Methods

This interdisciplinary study explored the illness perceptions and clinical treatment experiences among ten MPS VI patients with a Turkish migration background in two centers for metabolic diseases (Berlin and Mainz, Germany). The clinical treatment situation was observed and semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and health care personnel, in addition to participatory observation in four patients'' everyday environments in Berlin. The data from the interviews, patient records, and personal field notes were encoded, cross-related, and analyzed.

Results

Patients'' acknowledgement of the disease and coping strategies are influenced predominantly by the perception of their individual health status and the handling of the disease within their family. Patients'' willingness to cooperate with treatment strategies is further modified by their knowledge of the disease and the relationships with their health care providers. In this analysis, cultural factors turned out to be marginally relevant.

Conclusion

As with other chronic and debilitating diseases, effective treatment strategies have to reach beyond delivering medication. Health care providers need to strengthen the support for patients with a migration background. In this regard, they should respect the patients'' cultural and social background and their personal perception of the disease and the therapy. Yet structural and social aspects (clinical setting, family and educational background) may be more crucial here than “cultural barriers.”     

Global diabetes landscape—type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Asia: Epidemiology,risk factors,and control

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a new epidemic in South Asia and is the result of societal influences and changing lifestyles. Epidemiologic studies suggest that the prevalence of DM has increased exponentially in urban and rural populations.Objective: This study was conducted to determine trends in the prevalence of DM in various countries in South Asia.Methods: We performed an extensive, systematic MEDLINE search for primary articles that reported on the epidemiology of DM in South Asia. Additional articles were obtained from personal collections and references cited in the primary articles. No formal meta-analysis was performed because of differing methodologies and diagnostic criteria.Results: Epidemiologic studies conducted in India during the 1960s and 1970s, using random and postload blood glucose estimations, reported DM in 1% to 4% of urban populations and 1% to 2% of rural populations. More standardized epidemiologic studies in adults since the late 1980s reported DM in 5% to 15% of urban populations, 4% to 6% of semiurban populations, and 2% to 5% of rural populations. A significantly increasing trend has been observed in urban populations (exponential trend R² = 0.74), whereas the increase is slower (R² = 0.29) in rural populations. The diabetes scenario is similar in other South Asian countries. Current prevalence rates are 5% to 16% in urban areas and 2% to 8% in rural areas. Risk factors for DM in this region are increasing sedentariness, dietary excess, obesity (especially high waist-to-hip ratio), low birth weight, and genetic influences.Conclusions: DM is a major public health problem in South Asia. The prevalence is higher in urban areas than in rural areas and is increasing. Population-based measures to control the epidemic of DM include avoidance of adiposity through enhanced physical activity and regulated calorie intake. A comprehensive national chronic care program is needed.     

Real-World Insulin Treatment Persistence among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectiveTo evaluate real-world treatment persistence among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) initiating treatment with insulin.MethodsPatient-level data were pooled from 3 previously published observational retrospective studies evaluating patients with T2DM who were previously on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) and initiated with a basal analog insulin (insulin glargine or insulin detemir). Treatment persistence was defined as remaining on the study drug during the 1-year follow-up period without discontinuation or switching after study drug initiation. Analyses were conducted to identify baseline factors associated with persistence with insulin therapy and to estimate the association between insulin treatment persistence and patients’ clinical and economic outcomes during the follow-up period.ResultsA total of 4,804 patients with T2DM (insulin glargine: n = 4,172, insulin detemir: n = 632) were included. The average insulin persistence rate over the 1-year follow-up period was 65.0%. A significantly higher persistence rate was associated with older age, initiation with insulin glargine using either disposable pens or vial-and-syringe, and with baseline exenatide or sitagliptin use. Higher insulin treatment persistence was also associated with lower hemoglobin A_1c (A1C) at follow-up, a greater reduction in A1C from baseline, and lower health care utilization.ConclusionIn real-world settings, treatment persistence among patients with T2DM initiating basal insulin is influenced by the type of insulin and patient factors. Greater insulin treatment persistence is linked to improved clinical outcomes and reduced health care utilization. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:52-61)     

Implications of the ADA/EASD consensus algorithm for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus for primary care practitioners: Four pivotal points

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is appearing in adults at an epidemic rate. Primary care clinicians will, out of necessity, provide diabetes care for most patients with type 2 DM. A systematic care plan will contribute to effective and cost-efficient management of the increasing number of diabetic patients presenting in the primary care setting.Objectives: The aims of this article were to review the consensus algorithm developed by the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (ADA/EASD) for the treatment of type 2 DM and to increase awareness of this document within the community that is most likely to manage patients with type 2 DM.Methods: Research was focused on the value of the consensus algorithm to primary care practitioners for the management of patients with type 2 DM.Results: Research revealed 4 aspects of the algorithm involving use of medications (including insulin) and measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin levels that would help health care providers construct a systematic and workable plan for aggressive treatment of type 2 DM.Conclusions: The 4 issues raised within the ADA/EASD consensus algorithm have a significant impact on primary care practitioners and challenge usual practices in the care of patients with type 2 DM.     

Prevalence of Undetected High Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care: A South Florida Primary Care Practice- Based Research Network Study

Background: The 2004 National Health Interview Survey suggests that 7.0% of adults in the US population have diabetes mellitus (DM). Minority populations in the United States are disproportionately burdened with this disease.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of DM risk in a cross-section of primary care practices in a large urban area that has considerable proportions of Latino and Caribbean populations and to examine the extent to which primary prevention of DM is provided to this ethnically and economically diverse population.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of primary care patients presenting to physicians participating in the South Florida Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network and 2 physicians from central and northern Florida. We used a validated instrument to calculate DM risk based on body mass index, family history of DM, age-appropriate physical activity, and obstetric history. We excluded people who self-reported DM, and classified undiagnosed patients into 2 groups: those who recalled receiving information about their high risk for DM and those who did not recall receiving such information.Results: A total of 2836 patients were surveyed; data from 2486 were analyzed. The mean (SD) age of the study sample (N = 2486) was 50.22 (16.38) years, and the majority of the patients were female (n = 1685 [67.8%]). Of the 2018 patients without DM, 1013 (50.2%) were at high risk for the disease. Among high-risk patients, 839 (82.8%) reported not having been informed by their physician that they were at risk. Significant differences in DM risk were observed among ethnic groups (P = 0.01), but patient demographics were not associated with informed status in high-risk patients. High body mass index was strongly associated with informed status (P < 0.001).Conclusions: Fewer than I in 5 patients at high risk reported having been informed of their elevated risk. This low rate of patient education may delay preventive measures and may contribute to the disproportionate effect of DM on ethnic groups in whom this disease is more common.     

Cost and policy implications from the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus

Background: The increasing prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), among children and adults, has posed important policy and budgetary considerations to government, health insurance companies, employers, physicians, and health care delivery systems.Objective: This article examines issues that are common to obesity and DM, including cost, clinical research, and treatment barriers, and proposes health policies to address these issues.Method: A manual review was performed of authoritative literature from peer-reviewed medical publications and recently published medical textbooks.Results: Obesity has been disproportionately prevalent among women and minorities, accompanied by an increased risk for DM. Women have experienced an increased risk for the metabolic syndrome, DM, and cardiovascular disease after onset of menopause. Obesity has been related to an increased risk for breast cancer among women, and may be a barrier that prevents women from being screened for colon and breast cancers. Maternal obesity has been a risk factor for gestational DM.Conclusions: Obesity and DM represent crises for the health care system and the health of the public, incurring costs and disease burden for adults and children, with increasing costs and prevalence expected unless more coordinated efforts to address the causes of these conditions at the national level are implemented. An investment in infrastructure to promote increased physical activity and reward weight management may be budget neutral in the long term by reducing the costs of morbidity and mortality. About two thirds of the costs from DM complications could be averted with appropriate primary care.     

The Rationale for Prandial Glycemic Control in Diabetes Mellitus

Background:Diabetes mellitus (DM) is of epidemic proportions worldwide, and its microvascular and macrovascular complications have been well described. Achieving glycemic control has been demonstrated to reduce patients' risk of developing these complications.Objective:The objective of this article was to examine how prandial hyperglycemia-especially postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG)-affects overall glycemic control and the complications of DM and to discuss the pharmacologic agents available to reduce PPHG.Methods:Materials used for this article were identified through a MEDLINE search of the literature (1975–2006). English-language randomized, controlled, prospective, cohort, and observational studies were chosen using the search terms postprandial hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, macrovascular disease, microvascular disease, lipidemia, and coagulation.Results:Data show that controlling prandial hyperglycemia reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) andmicrovascular complications, lowers glycosylated hemoglobin levels, causes less oxidative stress, and leads to a more favorable coagulation and postprandial lipidemia profile. Guidelines for targeting PPHG are becoming standard, and various pharmacologic agents (eg, a-glucosidase inhibitors, amylin analogues, incretin mimetics, rapid-acting insulins and insulin analogues, meglitinide analogues) that target PPHG may also improve overall glycemic control and reduce CVD risk.Conclusions:Although the level of hyperglycemia that leads to microvascular and macrovascular complications inpatients with DM remains to be elucidated, it appears prudent to address prandial hyperglycemia, especially PPHG, rather than focus solely on fasting glucose levels. Clinicians should consider incorporating agents that lower PPHG in their treatment of patients with DM.     

Role of Endocrinologists In Eliminating Health Care Disparities

ObjectiveTo review some of the persistent disparities in health and health care in the United States related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, with a focus on diabetes mellitus and obesity, and to discuss the role of endocrinologists in preventing these disparities.MethodsSome of the efforts made by the US government, such as public health strategies, to address health disparities are outlined, and statistics about diabetes and obesity are presented.ResultsThe elimination of health disparities, recognized as a national challenge for decades, is a national priority as defined in the national goals for Healthy People 2010. Health disparities refer to the differences in the quality of health and health care access and outcomes across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Such disparities may be related to the patient (education, socioeconomic status, environment, language), the health care system (location, structural barriers, financial resources), or the provider, including a lack of diversity in the health care workforce. Endocrinologists are responsible for the care of many patients with chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes mellitus. Both of these chronic diseases are diagnosed with increased frequency in minority populations and are preventable, difficult to manage, and associated with many complications and high health care costs.ConclusionThe role of endocrinologists is to provide equitable, affordable, accessible, high-quality, timely, cost-effective, and culturally sensitive health care. They must be involved in population health decisions and development of optimal health care policy so that endocrine disorders can ultimately be prevented. In addition, they must educate themselves, their patients, and the community regarding maintenance of healthy lifestyles to prevent complications. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:612-623)     

Family History of Diabetes is Associated with Increased Risk of Recurrent Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Pediatric Patients

Objective: To determine the relationship between family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) recurrence in youth with established type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with DKA admitted to a pediatric hospital between January, 2009, and December, 2014. We compared patients with recurrent (≥2 admissions) and nonrecurrent DKA (1 admission) and investigated patient level factors, including family history, that may be associated with DKA recurrence in pediatric patients with established T1DM.Results: Of the 131 subjects in the study, 51 (39%) subjects were in the recurrence group. Age ≥15 years old, public health insurance, and family history of T1DM or type 2 diabetes mellitus were associated with recurrent DKA admissions in both univariable and multivariable analyses. Family history was associated with DKA recurrence, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval = 1.0 to 2.3; P = .03). The association was not explained by type of familial diabetes, first degree relative status, or whether the family member lived in the household.Conclusion: Recognition that a positive family history of DM may be associated with a higher risk for DKA recurrence in patients with established T1DM may allow for targeted education and focus on a previously unidentified population at increased risk for DKA. Understanding the mechanism underlying the effect of family history of diabetes on the rates of DKA in patients with established T1DM may allow for improved identification and education of patients who may be at risk for DKA recurrence.Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval; DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis; EHR = electronic health record; IBD = inflammatory bowel disease; IRR = incidence rate ratio; T1DM = type 1 diabetes mellitus; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus     

Reducing oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A primary care call to action

Background: Oxidative stress is believed to be the primary cause of the microvascular and macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).Objective: This paper examines the evidence linking oxidative stress with long-term complications of type 2 DM and explores methods to minimize its effect.Methods: A literature search was performed to identify relevant studies for this review. Articles published in English from 2000 to 2008 were identified through searches of PubMed, Diabetes Care, and Google using the search terms oxidative stress, postprandial hyperglycemia, ACCORD Trial, and endothelial cell dysfunction.Results: The literature search identified 423 articles. Although chronic hyperglycemia can be effectively monitored and targeted using glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations, postprandial glucose levels are also important. Postprandial glucose excursions are exhibited by almost all patients with type 2 DM and are independent risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, glucose fluctuations during the postprandial period elicit more oxidative stress than chronic, sustained hyperglycemia and can lead to endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and microvascular complications. In turn, endothelial dysfunction has been implicated in the development of vascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis. Pharmacologic interventions (eg, rapid-acting insulin analogues that target post-prandial glucose excursions) reduce oxidative stress and vascular inflammation and improve endothelial dysfunction.Conclusions: Given the important role of oxidative stress in the development of complications of type 2 DM, physi-cians should consider methods to reduce oxidative stress that may occur during both acute (postprandial) and chronic hyperglycemia. One critical aspect is to reduce postprandial glucose levels to <180 mg/dL while lowering fasting glucose levels to <110 mg/dL. By coaching patients to reach these goals, physicians and other health care professionals can minimize the risk of long-term complications of type 2 DM.     

HIV and Latino migrant workers in the USA

Abstract

Migrant workers from Latin America are an essential source of economic development in the US agricultural industry. A majority of migrants are from Mexico and are undocumented and they represent a vulnerable and marginalized group in American society. There is a growing concern for HIV disease in the migrant community. The HIV prevalence rate among migrants is higher than the average rates in USA and in countries of Latin America. There are many behavioural, social, cultural, and health care risk factors and barriers that place migrants at increased risk for HIV infection. Many migrant workers contract HIV while working and living in the USA, which has contributed to rising HIV infection rates in Mexico. In order to prevent an increasing epidemic of HIV disease in Latino migrant workers, there is an urgent call for new and improved health care policies at the international, federal, state, and local levels.     

甲状腺功能减退症患者心理健康状况及影响因素分析

目的:研究甲状腺功能减退症患者的心理健康状况及其影响因素,为预防、改善甲减患者心理健康状况提供参考依据。方法:选取2014年1月-2016年1月来我院治疗的226例甲减患者作为甲减组,另从杨浦区多个社区随机抽取同期254例健康者作为健康组,采用SCL-90症状自评量表、社会支持评定量表(SSRS)及一般情况调查问卷对两组研究对象进行调查,采用Logistic回归分析甲减患者的影响因素。结果:两组性别、年龄及职业之间的差异无统计学意义(P0.05),而文化程度、经济收入的差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);甲减组患者强迫症状、抑郁、焦虑、精神病性评分及总分均高于健康组(P0.05);甲减组患者中焦虑、抑郁、人际关系敏感所占比重较高,分别为30.97%,26.11%,26.11%;与健康组相比,甲减组患者SSRS评分中主观支持、客观支持、支持利用度评分及总分均明显降低(P0.05);多因素Logistic回归分析显示社会支持、文化程度为小学、经济收入30000元/年是甲减患者心理健康的影响因素(P0.05)。结论:甲减患者心理状况较差,存在较严重的焦虑和抑郁情况,在治疗同时应注意健康教育和心理关怀,尤其是对收入低、文化程度低或社会支持程度低的患者,应给予及时的心理治疗,可提高患者的生活质量。     

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Care in Latino and Hispanic Subjects

ObjectiveTo determine the scope, impact, and health care limitations relative to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Latino-Hispanic population.MethodsWe reviewed MEDLINE and PubMed for studies published from January 1995 to June 2005 using a combination of search terms (epidemiology, Hispanic, CVD) and chose articles for review on the basis of direct informational relevance to the current status of preventive treatment and barriers to health care for CVD among the Latino-Hispanic community. Additional information was gathered through a general Internet search by using Google with the aforementioned search terms and a review of the US Bureau of the Census and governmental statistics related to these terms found through governmental Web sites.ResultsFor proactive reduction of rates of CVD among the Latino-Hispanic population in the United States, preventive interventions should be targeted. Several barriers exist to providing effective preventive care to the Latino-Hispanic community. Medical research involving the Latino-Hispanic population is sparse, many Latino and Hispanic subjects do not have health insurance or a regular source of health care, and poor English-language ability and low education and literacy levels limit awareness and inhibit communications between Latino and Hispanic persons and the health care system.ConclusionThe prevalence and growth of CVD in the US Latino-Hispanic community provide a clear warning that the public health problem presented by CVD in the Latino-Hispanic population is already substantial and will become much more severe in the coming decades. Actions to manage and minimize this problem are urgently needed. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:77-85)     

Pregnancy loss and neonatal death in women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to be a significant risk factor for pregnancy loss, either through still-birth or late intrauterine death or as the result of severe congenital malformation. Improved glycemic control and other advances in care substantially reduced the incidence of pregnancy loss in women with type 1 DM in most countries by the 1970s. However, because of a greater prevalence of obesity since the 1980s, the emergence of type 2 DM in pregnancy has become a significant problem. Although more pregnancies now occur in women with type 2 DM than in those with type 1 DM in many locations, relatively little information has been published about pregnancy loss in type 2 DM.Objectives: This article examines the prevalence and causes of pregnancy loss in type 1 and type 2 DM and identifies factors in addition to glycemic control that may influence pregnancy outcome.Methods: A MEDLINE search was conducted for recent literature on pregnancy loss in DM. Series reporting >200 pregnancies in type 1 DM and/or >100 pregnancies in type 2 DM were included.Results: Thirty-four studies were identified (15 in type 1 DM [1997-2007], 19 in type 2 DM [1986-2007]). In type 1 DM, major congenital anomalies now account for ~50% of pregnancy losses, and all-cause perinatal mortality remains higher than in the general population. Several studies have suggested that the perinatal mortality rate is higher in type 2 DM than in type 1 DM. Factors other than glycemic control probably explain this phenomenon: women with type 2 DM typically are older and more obese, and they come from disadvantaged communities—all risk factors for pregnancy loss, particularly late intrauterine death and chorioamnionitis. In some women, type 2 DM may be recognized for the first time during pregnancy; pregnancies in these women carry the same risks of pregnancy loss as those in women with established DM.Conclusions: Demographic changes in the prevalence of obesity suggest that the prevalence of type 2 DM in pregnancy will almost certainly increase. Although meticulous glycemic control is undoubtedly important in achieving good pregnancy outcomes, clinicians should be aware of the multiple risk factors faced by women with DM.     

Segmented political assimilation: perceptions of racialized opportunities and Latino immigrants' partisan identification

Abstract

To account for Latino immigrants' assimilation into the American political mainstream, I derive social psychological factors from the contextual notion of ‘modes of incorporation’ in the segmented assimilation literature. These social psychological factors, perceptions of racialized opportunities (PROPs), relate to immigrants' adoption of political party identities (i.e. Democrat, Republican). I test these PROPs factors utilizing the 2006 Latino National Survey (N=5,717 immigrant Latino respondents). Multinomial logistic regressions predicting party identification, compared to either ‘Don't Know’ or ‘Don't Care’ options, indicate that PROPs are significantly related to Latino immigrants' identification as either Democrats or Republicans. High levels of identification with perceived white opportunities are related to Republican identity and high levels of identification with perceived black opportunities differentiate Democrats from Republicans.     

Primary Care Patients’ Perspectives of Barriers and Enablers of Primary Prevention and Health Promotion—A Meta-Ethnographic Synthesis

BackgroundPrimary care (PC) patients have difficulties in committing to and incorporating primary prevention and health promotion (PP&HP) activities into their long-term care. We aimed to re-interpret, for the first time, qualitative findings regarding factors affecting PC patients'' acceptance of PP&HP activities.ConclusionsSeveral factors affect PP&HP. This must be taken into account when designing PP&HP activities if they are to be successfully implemented and maintained in routine practice.     

Glycemia and Cardiova Scular Disease in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of glycemic control in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsWe review the literature regarding coronary atherosclerosis, coronary artery calcification, and the epidemiologic studies related to the role of glycemia and the classic risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in type 1 DM.ResultsFour prospective studies (Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy, EURODIAB, Steno Diabetes Center Study of Adults With Type 1 DM, and Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study) do not show that glycemic control predicts CAD occurrence. Findings from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study show that compared with conventional insulin therapy, intensive insulin therapy reduces CVD among patients with type 1 DM and is associated with lower prevalence of coronary artery calcification. The discrepancies between the findings from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study and the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complication study are likely due to differences between the study populations and the lower prevalence of renal disease in the former study. Besides duration of DM and albuminuria/overt nephropathy, insulin resistance is a major determinant of CAD associated with type 1 DM.ConclusionsDiscrepant study results regarding the relationship between glycemia and CAD/coronary artery calcification may be related to the prevalence of renal disease and the presence of the metabolic syndrome. Published data suggest that addressing traditional risk factors including albuminuria, the metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory markers is better for preventing and treating CAD than focusing exclusively on glycemic control, which is still necessary for preventing microvascular complications. Furthermore, there is a synergistic effect of glycemic control and albuminuria on the development of CVD. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:912-923)     

Getting by at home. Community-based long-term care of Latino elders.

Although evidence suggests that the morbidity and mortality of Latino elders (of any Hispanic ancestry) are similar to those of non-Latino whites, Latinos have higher rates of disability. Little is known about influences on the use of in-home health services designed to assist disabled Latino elders. We examine the effects of various cultural and structural factors on the use of visiting nurse, home health aide, and homemaker services. Data are from the Commonwealth Fund Commission''s 1988 national survey of 2,299 Latinos aged 65 and older. Mexican-American elders are less likely than the average Latino to use in-home health services despite similar levels of need. Structural factors including insurance status are important reasons, but acculturation is not pertinent. Physicians should not assume that Latino families are taking care of their disabled elders simply because of a cultural preference. They should provide information and advice on the use of in-home health services when an older Latino patient is physically disabled.