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. 2008 Jul-Aug;34(4):698-706.
doi: 10.1177/0145721708320913.

Improved clinical outcomes using a culturally sensitive diabetes education program in a Hispanic population

Shiva Metghalchi  1 , Maribet Rivera  1 , Larry Beeson  1 , Anthony Firek  2 , Marino De Leon  3   4 , Hector Balcazar  5 , Zaida R Cordero-MacIntyre  3   4
Affiliations

Improved clinical outcomes using a culturally sensitive diabetes education program in a Hispanic population

Shiva Metghalchi et al. Diabetes Educ. 2008 Jul-Aug.

Erratum in

  • Diabetes Educ. 2008 Sep-Oct;34(5):896

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a culturally sensitive diabetes education program for Hispanics with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percentage of study subjects for mean fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c at baseline and 3 months. *P < .001.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage of study subjects for mean fasting plasma lipid profile at baseline and 3 months. HDL, high-density lipoprotein; LDL, low-density lipoprotein. *P < .001.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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