How Do 'Ethnic Diets' Influence Diabetes?

Filed in archive Diet on August 30, 2006

Some cultures are renown for having an increased risk of developing diabetes. Is this in the genes, or in the recipes? Just what effects do different cultural diets have on diabetes? Researchers have found that the type of diet does indeed affect diabetes, but that available healthcare and exercise have just as much to do with it.

Diabetes disproportionately affects Hispanics and blacks. Mexican-Americans, for example, are 1.7 times more likely to get diabetes than non-Hispanic whites, according to the diabetes association.

Some researchers attribute the disparity in these minority groups to genetics, along with lack of exercise, obesity and poor diet.

Retired dietitian Dolores Rosario, 73, says she sees lack of money for more healthful foods and proper health insurance as a barrier.

"And because of that, 'Hispanics' become more obese, and that makes the condition more difficult," she says.

"The idea is to empower the patient so that they could do something for themselves," says Josephine Mercado, director of Hispanic Health Initiatives. "Most of the people don't know the resources that are out there for them."

Be sure to continue reading this article for more helpful information, as well as a delicious recipe.