The American journal of medicine
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In the United States, the prevalence of adults who are overweight or obese is higher in Hispanics/Latinos compared with non-Hispanic whites. In addition, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is consistently greater in racial/ethnic minority groups, such as Hispanics/Latinos, compared with non-Hispanic whites. In fact, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2007 to 2009 suggest that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is almost twice as high in Hispanics/Latinos compared with non-Hispanic whites (11.8% vs. 7.1%, respectively). ⋯ Because individuals with type 2 diabetes have a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared with individuals with normal glucose levels, there is consensus that targeting environmental factors, particularly the development of obesity at an early age, is the most cost-effective approach to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and its broad spectrum of complications, including cardiovascular disease. Cultural and socioeconomic barriers, such as language, cost, and access to goods and services, must be overcome to improve management of type 2 diabetes in this high-risk population. By increasing healthcare provider awareness and the availability of programs tailored to Hispanic/Latino individuals, the current treatment gap among ethnic minorities in the United States will progressively narrow, and eventually, disappear.
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Little is known about the long-term prognostic value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in low-risk patients with chest pain. ⋯ A positive biomarker panel discriminates patients with rule-out acute coronary syndrome chest pain with a normal or nondiagnostic ECG who have a high risk for long-term cardiovascular mortality.
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The Hispanic/Latino population is the largest minority group in the United States, representing approximately 16% of the population in 2010. The US Census Bureau defines Hispanic/Latino origin as ethnicity, which tends to be associated with culture and is distinct from race. Based on the US Census Bureau classifications, Hispanics/Latinos have at least 3 main racial backgrounds (white, black, and Native Indian), with the combination and proportion differing among Hispanic/Latino subgroups. ⋯ Although certain aspects of Hispanic/Latino culture may become barriers in the management of type 2 diabetes in this population, these cultural characteristics may also represent an opportunity for prevention and/or improvement of care. It is important for healthcare providers to have an understanding and appreciation of Hispanic/Latino culture in order to provide their Hispanic/Latino patients with healthcare that is culturally and socially appropriate. Only by considering genetic, social, and cultural factors can type 2 diabetes be successfully prevented, treated, and managed in Hispanic/Latino patients.