A bilingual diabetes self-management education program for Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

<p>The aim of this intervention was to determine whether diabetes self-management education will help Hispanics/Latinos with type 2 diabetes mellitus change unhealthy behaviors and effectively manage their disease. Healthcare free clinics serve a large majority of Hispanic/Latino patients who could benefit from a formalized diabetes education program. A 5-week bilingual program was provided to 10 of 80 Hispanic/Latino patients with diabetes identified in a search through the electronic medical records of a free clinic in Connecticut. From 80 patients interviewed by telephone, 20 expressed interest in participating, of which 10 completed the program. Patients were given pre- and post-tests using the revised Diabetes Knowledge Test and the Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form. The transtheoretical model was applied to assess the patient&rsquo;s readiness for change. Hemoglobin A1c levels, obtained at baseline and at 12 weeks, decreased from 6.89 at baseline to 6.64 at 12 weeks, with average mean .25% reduction. Over the 5 weeks, average weight decreased from 179.1 lb to 176.9 lb; all patients except one maintained or lost weight, for an average 2.2-lb weight loss. Blood pressure readings at 5 weeks had decreased in 70% of patients. In creating an environment where patients receive culturally enhanced comprehensive health care services, the goal of improving health outcomes can be achieved. Because the intervention was small with only 10 participants and of short duration, the results should be replicated with a larger group and for a longer period.</p>