Background: New York is a popular destination for immigrants from former Soviet Union due to the existence of established Russian-speaking enclaves. Many Soviet immigrants came through a refugee assistant program and were in their late adulthood at the time of arrival. This study examined diabetes risks, diabetes care, and related issues in their community. Methods: Data were obtained through New York State diabetes community coalition event encounter forms for 1997-99. Soviet immigrants were identified from the codes indicating their race/ethnicity, and primary and secondary languages. Results: The data included 644 individuals. Eighty-eight percent resided in New York City, 82 percent spoke Russian as a primary language, and 65 percent were female. The median age was 55. Among those with diabetes (n=171), only 33 percent reported that they had had their Hemoglobin A1c checked at least once in the previous year. Because 88 percent of them were on Medicaid, the lack of access to diabetes education was a major issue. Among those without diabetes, the most serious risk factor for diabetes was obesity. Thirty-four percent of them were obese (BMI>=30), and additional 40 percent were overweight (BMI>=25). Conclusions: Soviet immigrants were invisible "minorities" with a heavy burden of diabetes. Although the data used were a convenience sample, they gave valuable insights of the current diabetes status in their community. A localized culturally sensitive approach for diabetes prevention and care for this population was suggested.
Learning Objectives: Understand the current diabetes-related issues in former Soviet immigrants and recognize specialized needs required for the prevention and care of diabetes in their community.
Keywords: Diabetes,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.