Summary
This fact sheet examines diabetes management and access to care among Latinos with diabetes in California. Using data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2001), the study reveals high diabetes prevalence among Latino adults, poor management of diabetes based on low rates of daily glucose monitoring and medication use, and significant access barriers including language, citizenship status, and income. Findings from this study show that only one out of every three Latinos with diabetes (35.6%) monitors their glucose every day — a rate that drops to one out of every five among the uninsured (21.7%). Uninsured Latinos with diabetes are also significantly less likely to report taking any medications for their condition (48.9%) compared to insured Latinos (72.5%). Non-citizens, Spanish speakers, and Latino adults with incomes less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level were significantly less likely to report having insurance coverage than other groups. This fact sheet shows that many Latino adults have poorly managed diabetes, which can lead to increased complications, poorer health, and increased healthcare costs that are preventable.
Publication Authors:
- Neetu Chawla
- Michael A. Rodriguez, MD, MPH
- Susan H. Babey, PhD