Case Study:
Mrs. Gomez & Gestational Diabetes

Upon completion of this case study, the participant should be able to address the following aspects of treating a Latino patient recently diagnosed with diabetes.

• Assess the patient's clinical needs.
• Recognize the cultural considerations of treating a Latino patient.
• Determine appropriate pharmacological interventions.
• Provide appropriate resources to overcome the cultural barriers faced by this patient.
• Implement new treatment and counseling office protocols to use with Latino patients.

Mrs. Gomez is a 39 year old Mexican American mother of two. She visits her doctor complaining of fatigue and frequent urination (polyuria) and also reports blurry vision and tingling in her feet. She has a family history of diabetes and both of her children weighed more than nine pounds at birth. She speaks limited English.

An initial physical examination reveals the following information:

• Height = 5' 4"
• Weight = 200 pounds
• BMI = 34.2
• Waist Circumference = 36 inches
• Blood Pressure = 146/88
• Random Blood Glucose = 228 mg/dL
• Microaneurisms (retinal exam)
• Normal monofilament test

Before further analysis of the case, consider the following questions:

• What do you know so far about the patient's condition?
• What are your greatest concerns?
• What are the patient's greatest concerns?

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