title: Health of Gullah families in South Carolina with type 2 diabetes: diabetes self-management analysis from project SuGar.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe diabetes self-management practices and service utilization among Gullah families in South Carolina.
  
  
  
  Data were obtained from 1276 persons with type 2 diabetes through interviews using the Family Health History Questionnaire. This was a primary analysis of a project conducted in conjunction with a parent study (Project SuGar) which focused on the molecular aspects of diabetes. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
  
  
  
  Diabetes self-management behaviors were not consistent with recommendations from the American Diabetes Association. Over half (55.6%) reported exercising, but only 27.7% reported self-glucose monitoring. Service utilization was poor, less than half, (41.1%) reported referral to a diabetic class/diet, 32.8% reported making yearly visits to the ophthalmologist, 22.3% reported visiting the dentist, and only 12.8% reported visiting the podiatrist.
  
  
  
  Although some self-management behaviors were identified, Gullah family members remain at risk for preventable diabetes complications. Education must reflect behaviors and beliefs valued by Gullah individuals. Culturally appropriate educational programs may increase use of health care services aimed at decreasing preventable complications of type 2 diabetes in the Gullah population.
authors.affiliation: The University of Iowa, School of Nursing, Lowa City (Dr Johnson-Spruill)
authors.forename: Ida
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Johnson-Spruill
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Lowa City (Dr Hammond)
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hammond
authors.affiliation: Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia (Dr Davis)
authors.forename: Bertha
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology, Hampton, Virginia (Dr McGee)
authors.forename: Zina
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: McGee
authors.affiliation: Hampton, Virginia, and Department of Psychology, Lincoln University, Pennsylvania (Dr Louden)
authors.forename: Delroy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Louden
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D005006:Ethnicity; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D013022:South Carolina; D055815:Young Adult