Joslin Clinic Launches Culturally Oriented, Bilingual Program to Help Latinos Living With Diabetes
Program Also Targets Those at Risk for Diabetes
BOSTON — November 13, 2002 — National studies indicate that the prevalence of diabetes, pre-diabetes, obesity and diabetes related complications in Latinos is reported to be significantly higher than in their Caucasian counterparts, according to government reports. An alarming increase in type 2 diabetes among Latino children and adolescents has been identified, adding to the dramatic burden of diabetes in this population group.
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Latinos represent the nation’s largest minority group with a population of 35 million, or 12.5 percent. In Massachusetts, Latinos make up about 6.8 percent of the population, while in Boston they represent 14.4 percent. Between 1990 and 2000, there was a relative increase of 29 percent in the prevalence of diabetes in Massachusetts. Currently, 5.6 percent of the adult population in Massachusetts has diagnosed diabetes (age-adjusted rate).
In response to the growing impact of diabetes in Latinos, Joslin Diabetes Center has launched a Latino Diabetes Initiative and has established a Latino diabetes care and education program in the Joslin Clinic. “The Initiative integrates Joslin’s outstanding brand of diabetes patient care and education with provider education, community outreach and clinical research activities to improve the lives of Latinos with diabetes or at risk for the disease,” said Enrique Caballero, M.D., Director of Joslin’s Latino Diabetes Initiative. “We want to increase awareness of the problem of diabetes and pre-diabetes (moderate elevations in glucose levels with a high risk of advancing to diabetes) in the Latino community,” Dr. Caballero said.
The new Joslin Clinic program is designed to deliver culturally appropriate, high-quality patient care and education to Latinos with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Patients receive individual evaluation and treatment by a diabetes specialist, nurse educator, registered dietitian and exercise physiologist. A group education class series covering such topics as monitoring blood glucose, nutrition, and physical activities also is offered.
Through the efforts of Joslin’s Community Outreach Program and funding from individuals, corporations and foundations, Joslin has been working with local partners such as Dimock Community Health Center and Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center in Boston over the last few years to extend its reach into the city’s Latino community. Joslin also participates in a variety of outreach events throughout the year in collaboration with local organizations and agencies working in diabetes and related health issues to get the word out about diabetes and its risk factors, how to manage the disease to prevent complications, and where to go for appropriate services.
“Our initiative is multi-faceted and encompasses clinic and community-based activities designed to provide an array of services to the Latino population. Not only will we train primary care physicians on diabetes, but also other health professionals and paraprofessionals such as lay health workers who are serving Latinos, thereby covering the entire provider team,” said Frances Kaplan, M.P.H., Manager of the Community Outreach Program at Joslin. “Lay health and community outreach workers will in turn educate community members affected by diabetes to form local peer educator networks.”
The clinical research component of the initiative aims at increasing opportunities for Latinos to participate in current and future studies designed to better understand the needs, barriers and characteristics of the Latino population with diabetes and at risk for diabetes. This will allow us to continually improve our program efforts.
For an appointment in the Latino Diabetes Care and Education Program, call Fernando Salcido, Patient Services Coordinator, at (617) 732-2490. For further information about the overall Latino Diabetes Initiative, contact Dr. Enrique Caballero, Director, at (617) 732-2485.
