June 30, 2006
Emotional Stress of Diabetes in Minorities
A recent University of Michigan study argues that Hispanics experience higher emotional stress as a result of diabetes.
The emotional stress of dealing with diabetes tends to be more severe for Hispanics than African Americans, a new study shows, though psychological aspects are too often ignored for both groups.
"Treatment strategies, such as taking daily medications, pricking your finger to test your blood sugar levels, or injecting yourself with insulin can be very distressing for people, not to mention being confronted with your own mortality or at least as someone who has a chronic illness," said Michael Spencer, associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and lead author on the study.
"The emotional response, especially for people who are deeply connected to their culture through food, can be quite difficult to deal with," Spencer said.
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Posted by David Porter at 08:47 AM
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Category: Health Disparities; Health Disparities; Health Inequities; diabetes
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