Beyond Assumptions: Complexities at the Intersection of Diabetes and Eating Disorders in Latine Communities
August 20 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am PDT
| Eating disorders are often overlooked in Latine individuals living with diabetes, where cultural context and routine medical practices can blur the line between necessary self-management and emerging harm. This session explores how family dynamics, food traditions, body ideals, and structural stressors shape the way disordered eating presents — and how it is understood in care settings. Through case-based discussion, participants will gain culturally responsive, weight-inclusive considerations to approach this intersection with greater nuance, curiosity, and compassion. |
Learning Objectives:
Following this presentation, participants will:
- Analyze how cultural context and diabetes self-management practices can complicate recognition of disordered eating in Latine individuals.
- Differentiate between medically indicated diabetes care behaviors and patterns that may signal emerging eating disorder behaviors.
- Apply culturally responsive, weight-inclusive considerations to clinical conversations and interdisciplinary collaboration when working with Latine patients navigating diabetes and disordered eating concerns.
Level B: Skills and Application
At this level, learners move beyond theory to actively apply knowledge in practical settings. Emphasis is on developing proficiency, problem-solving, and hands-on skills that can be implemented in real-world scenarios. Ideal for practitioners looking to strengthen their capabilities.
Diana Mesa, RDN, LDN, CDCES Bio:
Diana Mesa, RDN, LDN, CDCES, is a bilingual Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist based in Miami, Florida. She is the founder of En La Mesa Nutrition, where she provides culturally responsive, weight-inclusive care for individuals navigating diabetes, eating disorders, and PMOS. Diana specializes in the intersection of metabolic health and disordered eating within Latine communities and is a nationally recognized speaker and educator known for translating complex clinical topics into nuanced, human-centered conversations.
