Using Community Based Screening Data to Inform the Development of a Diabetes Intervention for Korean and Chinese American Seniors in New York City

Background: Recent studies have indicated that the prevalence of diabetes amongst Asian Americans is 60% higher than non-Hispanic white Americans. Despite their high risk, knowledge about the disease within the community is poor. Individuals with low levels of diabetes knowledge have worse self-management of chronic disease, lower use of preventative services and worse health outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to document diabetes disparities within two New York City (NYC) Asian American senior citizen communities. Method: 500 Asian senior citizens (350 Korean Americans, 150 Chinese Americans, ≥ 50 y.o.) were screened for diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure between February to December 2009. Additionally, data on demographic factors and BMI was collected. Participants were self referred and recruited through senior centers located throughout NYC. Result: Preliminary results indicate that 40% of the participants did not possess health insurance and 23.8% were hypertensive (≥140/90). Participants had a mean BMI of 23.4, mean of glucose levels of 131, and mean total cholesterol levels of 235. Average levels of glucose and cholesterol were higher than the normal range of under 120 and 200, respectively, indicating possible risk for diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Discussion: Findings from our study confirm a high risk of diabetes and related risk factors in this population. Results will be used to inform the development of an intervention to increase diabetes knowledge and self management of chronic disease within this population. In particular, programmatic efforts will be targeted towards raising awareness of diabetes as a chronic yet preventable disease in this community.