The charts of 254 Hispanic patients were selected from a sample of 321 patients with diabetes in four urban clinics that received federal funding to provide medical care in underserved communities. A standardized chart-audit protocol was used to assess the process of healthcare delivery and the presence of diabetes-associated comorbidities and complications in patients. Inconsistent recognition of obesity (11% identified vs 59% present), hyperlipidemia (17% identified vs 69% present), and renal dysfunction (3.5% identified vs 16% present) was evident on chart review. We also found inadequate compliance with current recommendations for diabetes care with respect to routine health screenings for diabetes-related complications, recognition of comorbid diagnoses, and referral of patients for recommended specialty consultations. Issues specific to the varied Hispanic populations may need to be considered to improve the delivery of diabetes care for the growing Hispanic population with diabetes.
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