Merck Partners With Chef Leticia -- To Encourage Diet Changes, Primarily For Hispanic Diabetics

It would be optimal (in my estimation) if all the pre-diabetic populations (Latin, Black, Asian and Caucasian) could be more widely-reached -- with a combination of diet and exercise. In many cases, the onset of Type II Diabetes might be delayed, or avoided, altogether. This is not that. [But, to be fair, Merck makes its diabetes franchise earnings post-diagnosis, not pre-.]

However, once diagnosed, it is certain that an altered diet, and increased exercise ought to play a larger role here in the Americas -- in disease management, toward populations with longer, healthier lifespans. So I here applaud Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz, and Whitehouse Station (over my late Sunday morning coffee, fresh OJ, a banana and some Fage 2% Cherry Yogurt -- yum!).

I just wish, with the advent of the national exchanges, and state versions, that an equal or greater push toward prediabetic populations, with diet and exercise -- would emerge. Here's a bit of the Merck presser:

. . . .One of the more difficult aspects of diabetes management can be adjusting your diet, especially when food is an important aspect of the culture, as it is in the Hispanic community. As part of the program, Chef Leticia will be serving up some of her favorite dishes through cooking demonstrations at the American Diabetes Association's (Assoc.) Feria de Salud event in Los Angeles at Plaza Olvera on November 10. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample Chef Leticia's favorite diabetes-friendly dishes that will be served by a participating local food truck.

"We are excited to feature Merck's Cuida tu Diabetes, Cuida tu Corazon as part of this year's Feria de Salud," said Peter Braun, Executive Director of American Diabetes Association in Los Angeles, California. "The American Diabetes Association is committed to raising awareness of diabetes and providing relevant resources for those at an increased risk for the disease, including Hispanics. This program is providing important information for people living with type 2 diabetes."

Type 2 diabetes affects the Hispanic community living in the United States more than other ethnic groups, and this community has a 66 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults. Of the Hispanic adults living in the United States, nearly 12 percent are diagnosed with diabetes, which is among the highest prevalence of ethnic groups in the United States. . . .

Meanwhile, we will keep hoping, here.