Diabetes - black and minority ethnic (BME) groups
People from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities are up to five times more likely to develop diabetes than the general population (Department of Health 2006a). This page brings together selected resources to support the care of people with diabetes from black and minority ethnic groups.
You may also want to refer to information about national standards and guidance across the UK.
These resources were last accessed on 31 October 2012. Some of them are in PDF format - see how to use PDF files.
BME Diabetes – Your health, your future. This is a project which aims to work with the South Asian community within Stockton-on-Tees, in particular with 18-39 year olds to support the early identification of type 2 diabetes. It works through community approaches to raise awareness and identify those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and to promote healthier lifestyles to reduce diabetes risk.
BMJ (2008) Prevention of type 2 diabetes in British Bangladeshis: qualitative study of community, religious, and professional perspectives
This study from the British Medical Journal concludes that 'the norms and expectations of Islam offer many opportunities for supporting diabetes prevention. Interventions designed for the white population, however, need adaptation before they will be meaningful to many Bangladeshis'.
BMJ (2005) Sharing stories: complex intervention for diabetes education in minority ethnic groups who do not speak English (Tricia Greenhalgh et al)
This article from the British Medical Journal is about a four year study which aimed to develop informal storytelling for diabetes support and education in minority ethnic groups.
Cochrane Library Database of Systematic Reviews:
Culturally appropriate health education for type 2 diabetes mellitus in ethnic minority groups
This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of culturally appropriate diabetes health education on important measures in Type 2 diabetes.
For further information about Cochrane reviews see: How to use the Cochrane Library.
Department of Health (2008) Ramadan health guide: a guide to healthy fasting
This booklet provides information on health issues related to fasting, to help people make more informed choices, minimise complications and maximise the benefit of the fast. It gives a guide through the physiological changes that occur during fasting, gives examples of beneficial and harmful foods during fasting, discusses potential medical problems and remedies, suggests a diet plan, and responds to the most frequently asked questions about fasting in general and medical issues in particular.
Diabetes UK: Fasting and diabetes
Provides information on how to manage diabetes safely while fasting, and the dangers of fasting with diabetes are also identified.
Diabetes UK (2010) Diabetes awareness championed among minority ethnic communities
This news item describes a project in which Diabetes UK have helped to train leaders in Black, South Asian and Turkish communities in London as Diabetes UK Community Champions to help raise awareness in their communities of the risks of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes UK Scotland (2007) Focus on diabetes: a guide to working with black and minority ethnic communities in Scotland living with long term conditions
This is intended as a starting point for health professionals involved in delivering services to black and minority ethnic (BME) people in Scotland who have long term conditions, with a focus on people who have diabetes.
NHS Choices: Healthy Ramadan
Guide to healthy fasting which includes a frequently asked questions section.
NHS Diabetes: A guide to diabetes management during Ramadan
This guide is aimed at commissioners and providers of diabetes care. It brings together guidance and links to support health care professionals understand how to support their service users living with diabetes, who wish to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. These pages also provide examples and supportive materials showcasing how the treatment of diabetes can be managed during this time.
PLoS Medicine (Public Library of Science) (2010) Early emergence of ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes precursors in tthe UK: the Child Heart and Health Study in England (CHASE Study)The study, authored by Peter H Whincup et al, investigated the patterns of diabetes precursors in nine to 10 year olds UK children of white European, South Asian, and black African-Caribbean origin. The findings indicated that ethnic differences in diabetes risk factors “are already present in apparently healthy children before they are 10 years old”.
See other specific contexts and populations.