Health status of diabetic Mexican Americans: results from the Hispanic HANES.

We examined the physical, sociodemographic, and psychosocial health status of diabetic Mexican Americans aged 45 to 74 years using data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Diabetic Mexican-American women had lower education levels and lower employment rates in comparison with nondiabetics. Glaucoma, retinopathy, and activity limitation were more prevalent in diabetic than in nondiabetic men and women. Diabetic women also had a higher prevalence of hypertension, kidney problems, and cataracts. No significant differences were found in depression levels between diabetic and nondiabetic Mexican Americans of either sex. Among diabetics, duration of diabetes was associated with increased prevalence of stroke and activity limitation. These findings on the health status of diabetic Mexican Americans furthers our understanding of the health service needs of this population.