Racial/Ethnic Discrimination and Diabetes-Related Outcomes Among Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes

Discrimination is associated with adverse health outcomes, but few studies have examined the association of discrimination with diabetes-related outcomes including mental health and glycemic control, particularly for immigrant and US-born Latinos. We analyzed survey data (n=222) collected at baseline of a diabetes intervention. Using multiple linear regression, we examined the association of racial/ethnic discrimination with depressive symptoms, diabetes-related distress, and HbA1c, and variation in these associations by nativity and, for immigrants, length of US residence. Racial/ethnic discrimination was positively associated with depressive symptoms (b=2.57, SE=0.45, p<0.01) and diabetes-related distress (b=0.30, SE=0.09, p<0.01). We could not reject the null hypothesis of no cross-sectional association of racial/ethnic discrimination with HbA1c (b=-0.27, SE=0.18, p=0.14). Although racial/ethnic discrimination did not directly affect HbA1c, racial/ethnic discrimination had a significant mediating effect on HbA1c through diabetes-related distress (p=0.02). Results suggest that racial/ethnic discrimination is detrimental for health for Latinos with diabetes.