Obesity, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Among Hispanics

Unique Diseases Among the Hispanics
Name
University Affiliation
Unique Diseases Among the Hispanics
Introduction
A Hispanic is anyone with a Spanish descent, especially those from Cuban, Mexican, Porte Rican, South or Central American origin or any other Spanish culture living in the United State (Louise & Nancy, 2010). Hispanics are generally characterized by huge families with large numbers of children. Due to the expensive education system in the US and their poor financial status, most Hispanics do not get a good education while some get none at all, which results in difficulties while securing well-paying jobs. These factors, coupled with racial discrimination and other social economic factors make it impossible for them to access high quality medical care (Escarce, Morales, & Rumbaut, 2006). Hispanics also have poor and unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as lack of sufficient physical exercises and unhealthy diets. All these factors put Hispanics at a high risk of contracting chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure (HBP) (Louise & Nancy, 2010).
Diabetes is a disease characterized by abnormal glucose metabolism, or high sugar levels in the blood. There are two types, namely; type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It has been estimated that 13% of men and 11% of Hispanic women in the USA have been diagnosed with diabetes, although 7% of Hispanic men and 5% of Hispanic women with diabetes are unaware of it. Diabetes is also more common among Hispanic children compared to other communities (Escarce, Morales, & Rumbaut, 2006). The lack of physical activities, unhealthy diets and lifestyles are some of the causes of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among the Hispanics. Genetic factors could also be a cause of diabetes, but with a healthy diet and lifestyle, Hispanics can reduce the chances of getting diabetes (Escarce, Morales, & Rumbaut, 2006).
High Blood Pressure (HBP) is also common among Hispanics. This is due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy habits characterized by lack of physical exercises and excessive intake of fatty foods. Hispanics face inadequacy access to medi...