If I were to develop a health program for underserved and marginalized Latino
populations I would target diabetes as my specific health concern. I would focus on this specific
health condition because I as a Mexican-American Latina suffer from type one diabetes and I do
not have the greatest health insurance or the greatest support system.
I would focus on diabetes because from experiencing it first hand, life with diabetes can
be extremely difficult. A diabetic person must eat the right healthy foods, exercise and check
their blood glucose levels daily. If someone with diabetes does not appropriately care for the
condition it can be detrimental to their overall health and have dreadful consequences later in
their life. Some patients may need to take insulin shots, others may just need oral medication, but
in either of those circumstances, it is a way of life that must be taken seriously and cannot be
ignored.
With diabetes being so challenging, one would really benefit from having a good support
system. Whether that means through family members, friends, or your community. There’s
already so much confusion surrounding the facts about diabetes, it would be great if there was a
health program who would help people with diabetes get the best care, treatment, and
information on how to manage their diabetes.
What I would do is have a small center with therapists, health coaches, and diabetic
educators who would in turn help Latinos with their condition. Because Latinos are at greater
risk for diabetes, the more help and people we have the more beneficial it will become.
Psychologists can help patients change their behaviors to gradually improve eating habits,
activity levels and their overall outlook. They can also be there for emotional support, because I
know for fact that sometimes your family does not completely understand why diabetes is
challenging why would it cause you to be miserable. Often, people with diabetes have trouble
accepting the diagnosis, especially if they feel physically healthy. Psychologists can help people
address emotional reactions such as disbelief, guilt and anxiety and learn how to accept their
condition.