Self-Care Practices and Hispanic Women with Diabetes

Diabetes is a major public health problem in the United States, and a dangerous disease that can lead to serious long term complications. Left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to blindness, heart failure, kidney failure, and low extremity amputations. This challenge is further magnified by the fact that Hispanics already constitute the largest minority group in the U.S., which suggests the potential of diabetes to reach epidemic proportions. This chapter explores the role of culture and self-care practices among Hispanic women with diabetes. (C) 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.