Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease in Hispanic Americans

Hispanic Americans have a high rate of diabetes, which increases their chances of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, when those with diabetes follow their treatment plan carefully and keep their blood sugar and blood pressure under control, they can greatly reduce their risk of developing these complications.

  1. About 11%, or 5 million, of Hispanic Americans have diabetes. About one-third of cases of diabetes in Hispanic Americans are undiagnosed.
  2. Hispanic Americans are nearly twice as likely to have diabetes as non–Hispanic whites of similar age. The prevalence of diabetes in Cuban Americans is lower than in Mexican Americans and Puerto Rican adults, but still higher than that of non–Hispanic whites.
  3. Diabetes is even more common among middle–aged and older Hispanic Americans. About 25 to 30% of those 50 or older have diabetes.
  4. About 90 to 95% of Hispanic Americans with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes usually develops in adults over 45, but is becoming more common in younger people. It occurs because the body is unable to use insulin properly. It is treated with diet, exercise, diabetes pills and, sometimes, insulin injections.
  5. Diabetes can be diagnosed by a Hemoglobin A1C equal to or greater than 6.5%, a fasting blood glucose test of 126 or greater in people who have symptoms of diabetes, a non–fasting blood glucose test of 200 or greater in people who have symptoms of diabetes, an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test with two–hour glucose of 200 or greater.
  6. The risk factors for diabetes include a family history of diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity and an unbalanced diet.
  7. Hispanic Americans should have the following tests for early detection of kidney disease: blood pressure measurement, a urine test for protein and a blood test to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
  8. Studies have shown that early detection and treatment can halt or slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Treatment includes careful control of blood sugar and blood pressure. Special high blood pressure medications called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin–2 receptor blockers (ARBs) help to preserve kidney function.
  9. When someone loses 85% or more of his or her kidney function, dialysis or a kidney transplant are recommended to sustain life.

Sources of Facts and Statistics
United States Renal Data System (www.usrds.org)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)

The National Kidney Foundation thanks the following sponsors for their support:

Bristol Myers Squibb Novartis
GenentechGenentech