As the 7th leading cause of death in the Nation, diabetes is a chronic illness of major concern. On the US-Mexico border, however, where the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been documented as high as 22% among individuals 40 and older and the diabetes mortality rate is 50% higher than in the rest of the country, diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. In response to the need for a comprehensive public health approach, the University of Arizona College of Public Health is partnering with two Arizona border communities to develop and test a model community-based program that will reduce the devastating impact of diabetes through both specific intervention and policy-wide approaches. Faculty will then describe the components of the model, Border Health Strategic Initiative, which encompasses seven distinct interventions: promotora capacity building, patient self management, health provider gaps in care, patient family prevention and support behaviors, community nutrition and exercise, and school policy. These efforts will be integrated through community coalitions, or special action groups that will focus on policy actions that promote chronic disease prevention and control and foster the sustainability of successful programs. Evaluation of the model and its potential for global application will be described.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to 1) define the health burden of diabetes and the risks factors associated with the disease; 2) articulate the components of an integrated and comprehensive approach to chronic disease prevention; and 3) assess the applicability of the model in their own communities.
Keywords: Diabetes, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.