OUR DIABETES EPIDEMIC

29 MILLION

Americans have been diagnosed with the disease. Another

86 MILLION

are at risk of developing diabetes. THE NUMBERS Rates of diagnosed diabetes by demographic, according to the American Diabetes Association: 7.6% of non-Hispanic whites 9.0% of Asian Americans

12.8% of Hispanics (specifically, 8.5 % for Central and South Americans, 9.3% for Cubans, 13.9% for Mexican Americans and 14.8% for Puerto Ricans.) 13.2% of non-Hispanic blacks 15.9% of American Indians and Alaskan Natives RISK FACTORS & LIFESTYLE Genetics, race and socioeconomic status all play a role in diabetes.

1. Obesity: According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, in 2011 Hispanic Americans were 1.2 times as likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic whites. Among Mexican American women, 78 percent are overweight or obese compared to only 60.3 percent of non-Hispanic white women. From 2009 to 2010 Mexican American children were 1.6 times more likely to be overweight as Non-Hispanic white children.

2. Diet: Many dishes with beans, rice and tortillas are high in carbohydrates, making portion control especailly important to achieve a healthy diet. Other calorie-dense foods with added sugars and fats, particularly sugar-sweetened beverages, also increase the risk for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. GOOD NEWS There are some simple fixes that can help delay or prevent a diabetes diagnosis: Choose fresh seafood, lean poultry as protein sources Serve brown rice instead of white rice Manage portion size, ½ the plate should be filled with vegetables Eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages For appetizers, choose fresh salsa or black bean dip Modify traditional Latin dishes to make them healthier