Case Studies

The case studies provided here showcase real-life situations you may face in your care for Latino patients. These cases reveal how language barriers, a lack of health insurance, depression, and obesity affect those individuals with or at risk of developing diabetes. Each case will review both the clinical and cultural components of the individual's treatment plan. For each case, you will be asked to

• Review the case through the patient history and physical exam.
• Suggest relevant information needed to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
• Diagnose the problem.
• Recommend therapeutic options.
• Select a course of action to follow in treating the patient.
• Address potential cultural barriers to therapy.

Mrs. Gomez presents complaining of fatigue and frequent urination (polyuria). She has a family history of diabetes and limited English language skills.

Mr. Rodriguez is admitted to the emergency room for chest pain; he has a history of hypertension and no health insurance.

Mrs. Diaz comes in for her annual physical. Her fasting plasma glucose, observed over the past several years, has increased; she also says she has been feeling sad lately.

Raul is 15 years old and has been in the United States for four years but has never seen a physician. He was referred by the school nurse because he is overweight and has acanthosis nigricans.