Latinas with prediabetes may benefit from promotora-led Diabetes Prevention Program

“In a Latina population at high risk for type 2 diabetes, a Promotora-Led Diabetes Prevention Program delivered by lay community health workers, or promotoras, was feasible, acceptable and effective, according to study findings published in The Diabetes Educator. Each Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) session was led by a promotora in Spanish, and the primary outcome was weight change over the 12-month study period.

During the study period, participants achieved an average 5.6% reduction in body weight, with 42% achieving the 7% weight-loss goal and 58% achieving at least the 5% weight-loss goal. By 12 months, 30% of participants reverted to normoglycemia. The researchers also found that there were significant pre- and post-intervention reductions for waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and insulin levels. Perceived stress, anxiety and depression mean scores all decreased during the study period.

“The findings reported here suggest that delivery of the DPP by promotoras represents a promising approach for diabetes prevention in socioeconomically disadvantaged Latinas, a particularly high-risk population,” the researchers wrote. In Colorado, there are several organizations that offer the DPP in Spanish. To locate a Spanish DPP program in Colorado, call 1-800 DIABETES. To learn more about the DPP in Colorado, visit our website.” [Source: COPrevent]