Diabetes-related health beliefs explored in low-income Latinos

We conducted focus group dis-cus- sions and a survey to explore dia- betes-related health beliefs and to assess educational needs among low-income Latino adults, primarily of Mexican descent. We found that many low-income Latinos served through UC Cooperative Extension programs may be at high risk of de- veloping diabetes. At the same time, many of those at risk lack aware- ness of risk factors for dia-betes, have never been screened and do not know where to go for advice. Although some were unsure of the true causal connection, 64% of the focus group participants had heard that susto (stress or strong emo- tion) might be related to onset of the illness. In addition to increas-ing awareness of the disease and reduc- ing barriers to care, nutrition educa- tors can help program partici-pants by identifying ways to alleviate the effects of stress and lower the risk of diabetes through a healthy lifestyle.