Latino Diabetes Initiative - Clinical Research

Researchers in Joslin's Latino Diabetes Initiative work to strengthen our knowledge and understanding of the needs, characteristics and challenges of Latinos living with or at risk for diabetes. These investigators strive to increase Latino participation in  general, ongoing clinical research, as well as Latino-focused research. Studies like the one summarized below provide information to help providers improve adherence to treatment.

Below is an example of a study that was conducted and published by the Latino Diabetes Initiative research team.

Diabetes management in multicultural societies is particularly challenging. It is known that multiple medical, demographic, social and cultural factors influence diabetes care, adherence to treatment and outcomes, yet very few programs address all these aspects in routine clinical practice.

In order to investigate the effects of some of these factors on patients’ adherence to diabetes treatment guidelines, we conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with type 2 diabetes that attend the Latino Program at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

Multiple cultural, social and demographic factors are associated with adherence to general diabetes treatment guidelines. In our population comprised by Latino patients living in a multicultural society such as the U.S., the most important factors associated with high adherence to treatment recommendations were social and family support, receiving prescriptions in Spanish and having a provider who speaks the language, having good rapport with the healthcare provider and lower diabetes-related distress. We have confirmed that depression is an important factor that influences diabetes treatment and is associated with several demographic and social characteristics.

Designing and implementing culturally-oriented patient care and education programs for people with diabetes living in a multicultural society should take into consideration all of these medical, social and cultural factors.