Improved clinical outcomes using a culturally sensitive diabetes education program in a Hispanic population.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a culturally sensitive diabetes education program for Hispanics with type 2 diabetes.



This study is a prospective cohort study to test the impact of a comprehensive diabetes education program on blood glucose control on Hispanics with type 2 diabetes. The educational program focused on maintaining glycemic control and general aspects of managing diabetes and complications. The study participants were recruited by flyers placed in Hispanic markets and in ambulatory care clinics. A total of 34 Hispanic male and female subjects with type 2 diabetes participated in the study. The concentrations of glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were analyzed at baseline and at 3 months.



A significant mean change was observed for HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol/HDL ratio, and HDL after 3 months of education compared with baseline. There were significant reductions in weight, total fat, percent fat, trunk fat, and waist-to-hip ratio compared with baseline. After 3 months, subjects showed a significant positive correlation between changes in body mass index and insulin and weight, total fat, trunk fat, and fat free mass and insulin.



A culturally sensitive program conducted in Spanish had a significant impact on important clinical parameters in Hispanic subjects with diabetes in a relatively short time period. The study demonstrates the importance of designing education intervention studies that are sensitive to cultural diversity, particularly in at-risk diabetic subjects.
Metghalchi
Shiva
S
The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Public Health (Mr Metghalchi, Ms Rivera, Dr Beeson)
Rivera
Maribet
M
The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Public Health (Mr Metghalchi, Ms Rivera, Dr Beeson)
Beeson
Larry
L
The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Public Health (Mr Metghalchi, Ms Rivera, Dr Beeson)
Firek
Anthony
A
School of Medicine (Dr Firek)
De Leon
Marino
M
Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine (Dr De Leon, Dr Cordero- MacIntyre)|Nutrition Department in the School of Public Health (Dr De Leon, Dr Cordero-MacIntyre)
Balcazar
Hector
H
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, and Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of North Texas, Fort Worth, Texas (Dr Balcazar)
Cordero-MacIntyre
Zaida R
ZR
Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine (Dr De Leon, Dr Cordero- MacIntyre)|Nutrition Department in the School of Public Health (Dr De Leon, Dr Cordero-MacIntyre)
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001823:Body Composition; D003469:Culture; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006304:Health Status; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D008055:Lipids