Misdiagnosis of diabetes can significantly impact patients’ access to appropriate medications and technologies for managing their condition. For some Black patients, such as Phyllisa Deroze and Mila Clarke, this misdiagnosis has raised questions about whether racial biases played a role in their healthcare experiences.
The Experience of Misdiagnosis
- Phyllisa Deroze and others were initially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, leading to delayed recognition of their actual condition, latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA).
- LADA, often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes, progresses slowly and requires specific blood tests for confirmation. Without accurate diagnosis, patients may be denied proper treatments and technologies for managing their condition.
Implicit Bias in Healthcare
- Rochelle Naylor, a pediatric endocrinologist, highlights the impact of implicit biases in healthcare delivery, suggesting that African American patients may face more frequent misdiagnoses and disparities in care.
- Black patients have historically encountered bias in healthcare settings, affecting their treatment experiences and outcomes. Implicit biases can influence diagnostic decisions, treatment recommendations, and patient care.
Challenges in Diagnosing LADA
- Kathleen Wyne, an endocrinologist, explains that misconceptions about race, weight, and age can contribute to misdiagnosing LADA patients as having Type 2 diabetes.
- LADA shares similarities with Type 1 diabetes, requiring insulin injections for long-term management. However, its slow progression may lead physicians to initially diagnose it as Type 2 diabetes.
Addressing Misdiagnosis and Healthcare Disparities
- Improved awareness and education among healthcare providers about atypical forms of diabetes, such as LADA, are essential to reduce misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment for all patients.
- Efforts to address implicit biases and disparities in healthcare delivery can enhance patient experiences and outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities like Black patients.
In conclusion, the experiences of Black patients like Phyllisa Deroze and Mila Clarke underscore the need for greater awareness of atypical diabetes presentations and the importance of addressing implicit biases to ensure equitable healthcare for all individuals.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.