Nearly 12% of all Hispanics have diabetes, compared to 7.1% of non-Hispanic whites. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes is not homogenous within subgroups of the Hispanic population, but instead ranges from as low as 7.6% for Cubans to as high as 13.3 and 13.8% for Puerto Rican and Mexican Americans, respectively. Disparities in some diabetes-related complications are also higher among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites.
The prevalence rates for depression are significantly higher among adults with diabetes than among those without diabetes. People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression. Comorbid depression affects 15–30% of all adults with diabetes and is associated with more diabetes-related symptoms, worse glycemic control, poorer self-management (worse adherence to dietary and medication recommendations, less physical activity, and less frequent glucose monitoring and foot care), higher prevalence of complications, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Despite that, fewer than 25% of people with diabetes and depression are adequately treated.
Limited data exist about the prevalence of comorbid depression among Hispanics. Current research shows that Hispanics with diabetes are less likely to be diagnosed with comorbid depression, despite prevalence rates equal to or higher than rates among non-Hispanic whites, and they are half as likely to receive treatment. This article briefly describes depression in the Hispanic community; the relationship between diabetes, depression, and culture; and how advocacy can play a role in addressing this problem. (author introduction)