Cohort 5 (2025)
Development and Validation of a Diabetes Risk Score for Undiagnosed Hispanics in the United States
Lucia Juarez, Ph.D.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Alabama
State
Hispanic adults at high risk for diabetes, especially those with limited access to healthcare.
Target Population
Lifestyle Modification
Focus
Project Goals and Relevance
Project Objectives:
This project aims to develop and validate a personalized diabetes risk score to improve the early detection of undiagnosed diabetes in Hispanic populations in the United States.
Target Population:
Hispanic adults who are affected by diabetes risk factors, especially those with limited access to healthcare.
Relevance to Community:
Hispanic adults are affected by undiagnosed diabetes due to barriers like language, healthcare access, and social factors. This project addresses undiagnosed diabetes by creating a tool that incorporates non-clinical determinants of health to improve early detection.
Intervention/Approach
Strategies Used:
Develop a diabetes risk score based on demographic, clinical, and non-clinical determinants of health data.
Validate the score using national datasets and community feedback.
Engage community partners to ensure the tool is accessible and personalized.
Relevance:
The study focuses on the high rate of undiagnosed diabetes among the Hispanic population by addressing language preferences, incorporating dietary practices, and ensuring community involvement in tool development.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved Detection: A validated risk score to identify undiagnosed diabetes in Hispanic adults.
- Enhanced Prevention: Early identification leads to timely interventions and improved health outcomes.
- Community Empowerment: Greater awareness of diabetes risk factors within Hispanic communities.
- Broader Impact: A scalable model for detecting diabetes in populations with limited access to healthcare or preventive services.
Community Action Tips
Even if you’re not part of the study, you can reduce your risk of diabetes:
- Know Your Numbers: Get regular screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. (source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Managing Diabetes.” CDC Diabetes Management)
- Healthy Eating: Balance meals with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. (source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “MyPlate for Diabetes.” USDA MyPlate Diabetes)
- Stay Active: Incorporate daily physical activity, like walking or dancing. (source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). “Physical Activity for Diabetes.” NIDDK Diabetes and Exercise)
Recruitment Details
Participation Information:
The study is working with Hispanic communities to validate the risk score.
Eligibility Criteria:
Participants must be adults who identify as Hispanic who have not been diagnosed with diabetes and are willing to complete surveys or provide feedback.
Contact Information:
For more information, please contact the research team at ljuarez@uabmc.edu
Not eligible? Visit the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program for tips and resources on managing your diabetes risk.
