Impact Assessment of Culturally Competent Nutrition Trainings on Diabetes Type II Control to Male Latinos/Hispanics

Abstract

Culturally competent health education can potentially save lives and overall improve quality of life. Health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and blood pressure, if identified early, can possibly be controlled and less likely to become a major health problem. The present study was conducted to assess the impact of culturally competent health and nutrition education trainings on diabetes type II control directed to male Latinos/ Hispanics living in Atlanta, Georgia. United States. The five-week long education trainings were offered weekly to 50 volunteer participants that had been diagnosed with diabetes type II by their primary physician for over a year. Other than receiving diabetes prescription medication, the participants were not engaging in any other specific health activity intended to support diabetes type II control. Three other health factors were taken in consideration: height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI), which were measured at the beginning of each session. After each session, the participants were asked to implement the lessons learned at home, individually monitor blood glucose levels and record results in a tracking sheet provided. Results of the study include a stabilization and/or decline in glucose levels for the participants who reported to have continued their prescribed medications and implemented the knowledge learned in the education trainings. Weight loss was also noted the participants who were intentionally interested in losing weight as a result of the program. The results of the study thus conclude that culturally competent health and nutrition education trainings on diabetes type II control can make a significant impact in the health and nutritional status of male Latino/Hispanics.