Abstract
Low-cost diabetes education programs that target Mexican Americans are essential to reduce the observed health disparities in this population. A culturally appropriate intervention was developed as the centerpiece of the Community Diabetes Education (CoDE) program. This article describes the structure, patient acceptance, and costs of this one-to-one educational model delivered in 7 patient contact hours by a community health worker over 12 months in a community clinic serving the uninsured. A total of 162 patients—predominantly female, Spanish-speaking Mexican American patients with type 2 diabetes of mean duration of 6.5 years—enrolled in the program, and a dropout rate of 22% was observed during the 12-month period. Preliminary analysis indicated that program capacity was 120 patients per month, and the annual direct medical expenditure per CoDE participant was $461. The hemoglobin A1c was significantly reduced in patients who participated in the program for 12 months. Sustainable, low-cost, community-based programs like CoDE and long-term patient participation will help reduce the burden of diabetes in the underserved Hispanic population.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
