PURPOSE: This study assessed awareness of type 2 diabetes risk and severity, perceived risk factors, knowledge of diabetes prevention strategies, and challenges of and opportunities for prevention among low-income Latinos in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

METHODS: Qualitative research design. Latinos with no known diagnosis of diabetes participated in 4 focus groups, conducted in Spanish, which were recorded and transcribed for systematic analysis.

RESULTS: The sample, (N = 41) was largely female (85%) with a wide age range (22-76 years), most (71%) had an educational level of high school or less, and less than half (46%) were employed. Participants had basic knowledge of diabetes, but gaps were apparent. Many perceived family history of diabetes, poor diet, emotional distress, and stress associated with the United States as risk factors for diabetes. There was little or no awareness of risk associated with Latino ethnicity, gestational diabetes, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, or obesity. Few cited physical activity or weight loss as diabetes prevention strategies. More than half the participants perceived themselves at low risk for diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS: This Latino sample had limited knowledge of diabetes risk factors and lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay diabetes onset. Insights for intervening for diabetes prevention are offered.