Addressing the needs of an ethnic minority diabetic population

Even if ethnic minority populations in our health community are small in numbers, it is important to identify factors that may affect the quality of the healthcare encounter, such as linguistic needs and health beliefs. Despite increased prevalence and morbidity of diabetes in certain ethnic minority groups, inequalities in health may exist and can be multifactorial in nature. This article looks at the importance of cultural sensitivity, so health professionals can articulate difference, show respect and understand health-related beliefs and values. Individual assessment means that health information can be given that values diversity and is specific to an individual. This article uses social and psychological theory to offer explanations as to how prejudice occurs, and looks at the start of a journey for a diabetes team that cares for a small ethnic minority population.