title: Traditional beliefs and practices among Mexican American immigrants with type II diabetes: A case study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe selected common health beliefs and practices among Mexican American immigrants with type II diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Selected clinical trials, qualitative studies, and systematic reviews.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Hispanic folk illness belief susto refers to an episode of severe fright, and Mexican American immigrants hold varying views on its relation to diabetes. Culturally and in the research, susto has also been linked with depression. Sabila (aloe vera) and nopal (prickly pear cactus) are herbal remedies that have had widespread, longstanding use in Mexican culture and while this is not the gold standard of research, it does provide ample evidence and a strong cultural belief that these therapies work. There is some evidence in the literature to support their efficacy as glucose-lowering agents, but lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation, potential side effects, and a dearth of rigorous clinical trials preclude aloe vera and nopal from being recommended therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Awareness about susto beliefs, commonly used herbal remedies, and development of culturally sensitive communication skills are essential for nurse practitioners to effectively assist patients in this population achieve their glycemic goals. Research on the effects of nopal and aloe vera on diabetes is needed to guide clinical decisions.
authors.affiliation: Clinica El Buen Pastor, Xela, Guatemala.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lemley
authors.forename: Lori A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Spies
mesh_terms: D003469:Culture; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005495:Folklore; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States / Q000208:ethnology
keywords: Diabetes type II; Hispanic; complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); nurse practitioners