Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
What WE DODiabetes Self-Management and
Prevention Program
Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program
The Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program (DSM) is Latino Health Access’s flagship program. As with all LHA programs, the need for Diabetes management and education arose due to the service gaps, inequities, and social determinants of health directly impacting the Latino community in Orange County. The curriculum was written by our CEO, Dr. America Bracho, a Certified Diabetes Educator and experienced Medical Doctor in Venezuela, and is designed to encourage participation through examples, role-playing, and allowing participants to share their experiences, challenges, and success. Since its inception in 1993, LHA has worked alongside community members to implement a comprehensive and culturally appropriate program that allows for an individualized diabetes-self- management plan for our participants. This grassroots effort has continuously helped countless participants for nearly 30 years to improve their A1c and reduce their risk for diabetes-related complications by adopting lifestyle changes, causing the results to be published in a scholarly journal.
The program is led in Spanish by our Promotores (Community Health Workers) who use their community knowledge and expertise surrounding Diabetes management to build individual and community capacity to improve the health outcomes for individuals with Diabetes. LHA’s Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention program is a 10-week commitment where we meet weekly for 2 hours to discuss different topics related to Diabetes. These gatherings provide a space for a Promotor to disseminate culturally and comprehensively relevant information and promote peer-to-peer learning by starting conversations where participants can ask questions and share their experiences. Additionally, Promotores conduct personalized case management with participants in our program. This direct intervention helps to further build trust between the Promotor and the participant, a trust that will eventually enable a deeper conversation around social determinants of health hindering the participant’s management of their Diabetes. If needed, a Promotor helps to facilitate access to the recommended yearly diabetic retinopathy and podiatry exam, medical care with a Primary Care Physician, a food bank, and other community resources. By working alongside those who are directly affected we are able to contemplate reasonable solutions as there is a better understanding of the existing service gaps and personal barriers.
Through culturally and linguistically appropriate education and access to Diabetes management service our participants are able to make informed lifestyle changes to improve their overall well-being. But, more importantly, our participants realize that Diabetes is not a “death sentence” but rather a chronic illness that can be managed.
Overview of topics covered in our Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program:
For inquiries, contact Guillermo Alvarez
galvarez@latinohealthaccess.org or
(714) 988-3346.
Module 1
What is Diabetes?
Participants learn about the different types of Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, Pre-, and Gestational).
Module 2
Monitoring
We learn about the importance of daily glucose monitoring, what do the numbers mean?, and how can I use these numbers to better communicate with my Primary Care Physician. Additionally, we explore the participant’s barriers that might hinder this process.
Module 3
Diabetes and the Human body
Participants hear about the different systems and organs that can be affected by uncontrolled Diabetes.
Module 4
Complications
Promotores lead a conversation surrounding various complications associated with uncontrolled Diabetes (amputations, dialysis, loss of sight, etc.).
Participants are encouraged to share their point of view regarding complications and if/how they have played a role in their lives.
Module 5
Complications
Promotores lead a conversation surrounding various complications Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program associated with uncontrolled Diabetes (amputations, dialysis, loss of sight, etc.).
Participants are encouraged to share their points of view regarding complications and if/how they have played a role in their lives.
Module 6
Nutrition
Participants learn about food groups, are introduced to MyPlate, and begin to about what constitutes a balanced meal.
Module 7
Nutrition
Participants learn how to read the nutrition label, the importance of controlling sodium and fat intake, and would be able to explain what a balanced meal is.
Module 8
Exercise
We talk about the importance that exercises in managing Diabetes.
We explore the existing barriers with participants and work with them to find a reasonable solutions in order to maintain an active lifestyle.
Module 9
Medication
Promotores lead a conversation surrounding the importance of access to medication, adherence to prescription, being informed of possible side effects, not discontinuing medications without consulting their PCP, and the importance of Insulin. Participants also contribute to the conversation by sharing past experiences and ideologies, further enriching the conversation and peer-to-peer learning.
Module 10
Emotional Wellness
Participants learn about the various ways their emotional wellness can affect the management of their Diabetes. This is an important topic as the incidence of depression, anxiety, fear and even grief experienced by our community has been further augmented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diabetic Retinopathy Exam
It is recommended that anyone with a Diabetes diagnosis get an annual Diabetic Retinopathy Exam to ensure that their vision has not been affected.For a reduced cost, our participants have access to a vision exam through our collaboration with the University Eye Center at Ketchum Health. This exam includes:
Vision | Cataract | Glaucoma | Diabetic Retinopathy
Additionally, our participants receive a discount on any prescription lenses or additional exam/treatments they may require.
Podiatry Exam
It is recommended that anyone with a Diabetes diagnosis get an annual Foot exam to prevent/treat any damage or infection. For a low cost, our participants have access to a Podologist through our collaboration with Foot Care Center.
Nutrition Consultation
For a low cost, participants can have a one-on-one nutrition consultation with a Nutrition Specialist. During this 1 hr appointment, participants explore personal barriers preventing them from carrying out a balanced diet and work with the Nutrition Specialist to find plausible solutions and create a personalized nutrition plan to help in the management/prevention of their Diabetes.
Community Clinic
Participants with uncontrolled Diabetes, no insurance, and no access to Primary Care will be referred to our community clinic for treatment, a collaboration with Kaiser and Lestonnac Free Clinic. Through this partnership, participants will Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program have a medical home with access to free medical care (as deemed appropriate by the medical team) and medication and labs at a reduced cost.