Hispanics more likely to be diabetic

Health inequities in our community were thrown into sharp relief during the pandemic, and Hispanic and Latino communities were hit especially hard by COVID-19, in part because of higher instances of chronic disease, such as diabetes.

According to the CDC, more than half of Hispanic and Latino Americans are likely to develop Type 2 diabetes during their lifetime, and to develop it at a younger age than our white neighbors. Like COVID-19, they're also more likely to develop severe complications such as kidney failure or blindness.

A diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming for anyone, but coupled with language barriers and cultural differences it can quickly spiral out of control. As a diabetes educator at Advocate Sherman Hospital, and a local Certified School Nurse, I know that having a provider you can relate to and who lives in your community is critical to success.

Because I'm Mexican American, I'm able to provide hands-on care that my patients need in a language they understand, and I offer them tips on how to cook their favorite foods while still managing their diabetes.

With the right approach, we can help people manage the disease and improve their overall health. We can reverse these troubling trends by offering culturally informed care and ensuring that we encourage more Spanish-speaking providers to make Elgin their home.

Christina Schmidt

Geneva