Abstract:

With total costs of diabetes reaching $174 billion in 2007, ADA recognized diabetes education programs for minority populations are crucial for the prevention of diabetes-related complications. One World Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska provides health care for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals in the Latino community. Diabetes education in this population is challenging and includes numerous barriers. The education program is multidisciplinary and consists of a dietitian, nurse educators, social workers and health care providers. From 10/1/2008-9/30/2010 a total of 222 new patients were seen for diabetes education. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels were tracked over a year and averaged. Presently, we have complete HbA1C data on 34 patients. Outcomes will continue to be collected throughout 2010/11. The mean HbA1C was 10.1% at the initial visit and 7.5% six-twelve months later. Preliminary data indicates that a multi-disciplinary approach to diabetes education in a multicultural population has a positive effect on HbA1C.