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Diabetes contributed to more than 100,000 deaths in 2021 alone, making it one of the deadliest and most common chronic diseases in the United States. Members of the Latino community have more than a 50% chance of developing type 2 diabetes over their lifetime — and a higher chance of developing diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure and vision loss.
To help address these challenges, the United Health Foundation announced a three-year, $3 million grant partnership with Hispanic Federation (HF), a national nonprofit whose mission is to empower and advance the Latino community.
The details: The partnership will fund a program for Latino individuals in Atlanta, Dallas and Houston that will provide culturally relevant resources to encourage adoption and maintenance of physical activity and other healthy habits. It will also connect individuals to primary and mental health care and social determinants of health screenings, including access to healthy food.
“We are honored to announce this grant partnership with Hispanic Federation, especially during National Diabetes Month – a time to bring attention to this life-altering chronic condition. This partnership aligns with our organization’s commitment to advancing health equity and building healthier communities by supporting programs to improve access to care and address key determinants of health.”
Dr. Mayrene Hernandez | Senior Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare
Why it matters: Latino individuals experience diabetes and its complications at significantly higher rates than non-Latino white individuals. The partnership will help address health disparities — and potentially save lives — by giving Latino individuals increased access to health screenings, physical activity opportunities and other health resources and support.
“On behalf of our more than 600 member organizations and partners, I thank the United Health Foundation for this transformative grant. This funding is going toward preventative diabetes programming that could ultimately save the lives of thousands of Latino adults and children. Working collaboratively with the United Health Foundation, we will empower our community with culturally and linguistically competent information while also expanding access to health care resources that prevent the onset of diabetes and improve the overall health of Latinos. Many Latino families still struggle to access quality and affordable health care, which is why we’re committed to breaking barriers to health care and helping Latinos lead healthier and longer lives.”
Frankie Miranda | President and CEO, Hispanic Federation
Zoom out: This grant partnership builds on the success of a five-year pilot program led by HF in Florida, in which participants engaged in one-on-one sessions with a dedicated lifestyle coach and received tailored exercise guidance. Launched in 2018, the pilot program helped approximately 700 individuals with prediabetes reduce their body weight by an average of 6.8% at the six-month mark (9% by the 12-month mark). Maintaining a healthy weight and remaining physically active are proven strategies for reducing an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
-
~700
individuals with prediabetes reduced their body weight -
6.8%
average body weight reduction at the six month mark -
9%
average body weight reduction at the 12 month mark
What to watch: The diabetes prevention program, funded by the United Health Foundation, is scheduled to launch in Texas and Georgia in 2024 and will be free for participants.
For more information on Hispanic Federation, visit its website.
Learn more about the United Health Foundation and its commitment to expanding access to care, advancing health equity and improving health outcomes in the communities where we live and work.
1 Diabetes in United States, America's Health Rankings
2 Hispanic or Latino People and Type 2 Diabetes, CDC
3 Quick Facts Houston City, TX; United States, US Census Bureau
4 Quick Facts Dallas County, TX; United States, US Census Bureau
5 Quick Facts Georgia, US Census Bureau
6 Texas Diabetes Profile, CDC
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