Diabetes

The Hispanic Health Council has recently completed a study designed to examine the impact of home-based peer counseling on behavioral, metabolic and health outcomes among inner-city Latino/as with Type 2 diabetes. This randomized, controlled trial conducted in conjunction with the University of Connecticut and Hartford Hospital linked low-income, diabetic Latinos with trained community peer counselors to support improved diabetes management. Preliminary data shows that patients with peer support were able to achieve significantly better glycemic control than matched controls. During the study period, trained peer counselors helped clients adhere to clinical guidance by providing education about nutrition, grocery shopping, exercise, and diabetes medical management. Peer counselors also provided care coordination, support and advocacy. Services were tailored to meet the needs and abilities of each participant. Investigators believe that once complete the study will inform policy makers about the efficacy of peer counseling for diabetes management and assist with decisions about whether similar peer counseling programs merit funding. The study, known as DIALBEST, is being completed in partnership with the University of Connecticut and Hartford Hospital as part of the NIH-export Center for Eliminating Health Disparities Among Latinos (CEHDL). Future exploration in this area is underway.

For more information, contact Sofia Segura-Perez, associate director of the Community Nutrition Unit (860) 527-0856, ext. 260 or e-mail sofias@hispanichealth.com