Endocrine Abstracts

The USMBDPCP is unique that it is the first study to consider the whole US- Mexico Border as one epidemiological unit. The project goal is to reduce the burden of diabetes among persons with type 2 diabetes living in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I Development of a Prevalence Study and identification of risk factors. II Implementation an intervention pilot study for diabetes prevention and control.

Phase I

The diabetes prevalence survey was conducted using a stratified, random sample of 4,027 individuals 18 years or older. Initial results show that along the U.S.-Mexico border there are 7.5 million adults. Approximately 1.2 million of them have type 2 diabetes (15.7%). It is estimated that 5.3 million adults in the U.S.-Mexico border region are overweight or obese. The prevalence of prediabetes in the U.S.-Mexico border is 14% in the total adult population. Prediabetes affects approximately one millionindividuals (51% of women and 49% of men).

Phase II

Using an established, standardized, multi-site, population-based approach, the U.S.-Mexico Border Diabetes Prevention and Control Project will implement and evaluate a family-based intervention delivered by Community Health Workers/Promotores de Salud. The promotoras will implement a family-based intervention that involves the Community Health Workers/Promotores de Salud to provide diabetes education classes to patients living with diabetes and their families in the household setting.

The project expects to improve the self-management of the disease among persons with diabetes, and will help decrease risk behaviors of their family members. Because CHW/PS are an essential component to this intervention, the results are expected to demonstrate their vital role as members of the health care team, and their effectiveness in facilitating access to the treatment of persons living with diabetes, as well as providing prevention skills to patients family members.