A review of the role of cultural practices, values, and norms in type II diabetes treatment for Chinese immigrants

Abstract

Although Type II diabetes (T2D) prevalence in US Chinese immigrants continues to rise, gaps in research and clinical care persist. These gaps are largely due to generalizations of the Asian immigrant population, barriers within biomedical culture, and a lack of culturally sensitive treatment plans. Little attention is paid to the unique sociocultural factors and contexts within each subpopulation, such as family influences or traditional medicine approaches. After an analysis of available literature, folk interpretations of disease, the family unit, and cultural food practices were found to be significant influences on T2D treatment. As they navigate their treatment, Chinese immigrants grapple with issues such as the stigmatization of insulin, the importance of providing food as care, and family well-being and harmony. Understanding how and why these elements of PVN affect T2D treatment is crucial to tailoring medical care to the needs of Chinese immigrant communities.