My Diabetes Information Blogs
Change Isn't Always Good
04/17/08
Nutrition & Exercise
By Corie Richter
Hispanics immigrating to the United States who maintain their cultural diet were more likely to have a higher fiber intake and better control of their HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, according to research.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, reported the findings. They also found that there were relatively few alterations to behaviors such as smoking and recreational activity between the groups who adapted to traditional American meals. Post migration dietary changes have a negative impact on health and may increase the odds of developing diabetes.
The effects of immigration are debatable in more than the political realm. Immigration can have serious impacts on a person’s health. Hispanics and African Americans have a higher rate of diabetic-related complications than Europeans or Asians. But, that risk can be reduced by adhering to their native dietary traditions.
The report in the Annals of Family Medicine found that Hispanics who spoke Spanish were more likely to adhere to the healthier diet. Those who spoke English as their primary language were more likely to adopt less healthy American dietary habits.
There are many community efforts targeting Hispanic families to encourage physical activity and discourage smoking. Schools are beginning to reintroduce physical education classes, particularly in those neighborhoods of high minority populations to stem the tide of a growing problem with diabetes.
Researchers at the famous diabetic treatment and research facility, Joslin Clinic in conjunction with researchers at Fluminense Federal University in Brazil, printed similar findings last month in the journal Diabetes Care. The conclusion to their study demonstrated overweight Hispanic children had more markers for diabetes than those who were within normal parameters.
Sources:
Annals of Family Medicine, March 2008
Diabetes Care, March 2008