title: The role of vitamin D in the health of Hispanic adults with diabetes.
abstract: The highest prevalence of low vitamin D levels are among Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks. Evidence suggests that low vitamin D levels may contribute to increased risk for diabetes and its complications. Hispanics are at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency. To address the relationship between vitamin D, diabetes, and Hispanics, this research is described. Evidence supports an association between low vitamin D and risk for diabetes, but there remains insufficient evidence to suggest whether treatment of low vitamin D can prevent or improve diabetes. In addition, there is limited research regarding vitamin D deficiency in the Hispanic population. Factors such as obesity, dark skin pigmentation, northern geographical latitude, and prevalence of renal insufficiency may place Hispanics at greater risk for low vitamin D levels. Nurses need to understand the signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and treatment recommendation guidelines, which are also described. This information will allow nurses to improve the health outcomes and decrease the disparities amongst adult Hispanics with diabetes.
authors.affiliation: Loyola University Chicago, School of Nursing, USA.
authors.forename: Judith Priscilla
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Castro
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Penckofer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D012648:Self Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D