Bridging Disparities: Diabetes Self-Management Education for Hispanic Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Authors

• Stephanie Guerrero, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Endocrinology / Diabetes Care

Advisor

Dr. James Kilgore, DMSc, PA-C

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is heavily influenced by social and behavioral factors. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is a key part of effective diabetes care, but persistent inequalities continue to affect outcomes in underserved and linguistically diverse groups. This article aims to assess disparities in DSME and identify factors that contribute to inequities in glycemic control among Hispanic adults with T2DM. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase. Search terms included “diabetes self-management education,” “type 2 diabetes,” “disparities,” “barriers,” and “glycemic control.” The results showed that DSME disparities were consistently linked to patient-level factors.

Evidence indicated that language-concordant, provider-led DSME can greatly improve adherence and glycemic outcomes. However, the limited number of bilingual educators and lack of sufficient reimbursement continue to widen care gaps.¹DSME remains an evidence-based method to promote health equity. Expanding culturally and linguistically tailored DSME and integrating social determinants of health into program delivery are vital steps toward better long-term outcomes in T2DM populations.

Keywords:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diabetes self-management education (DSME), disparities, glycemic control

Recommended Citation

Guerrero S. Bridging Disparities: Diabetes Self-Management Education for Hispanic Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).