Project IDEAS: Initiative for Diabetes Education and Support

Introduction: Diabetes is an epidemic that has adverse effects on the U.S. population. Michigan's diabetes prevalence has increased 15% in the past 5 years and ranks 15th in the nation with 9% of adults diagnosed with diabetes. The need for diabetes self-management programs is high, but unfortunately these programs are not always accessible and/or tailored to those with lower education/income. Project IDEAS is a community service project that consists of a 4-hour program tailored to this population. The educational component of the program is based on the American Diabetes Association recommendations and is offered quarterly at the patient's medical home. A collaborative medical team from the facility team-teach the program with a student health educator. Participants are encouraged to attend monthly support groups (SG) led by community health workers. Methods: Five workshops have been conducted thus far (n=24). A pre-post test is included that measures participant diabetes-related knowledge. Information from medical records is being collected as well as biometrics and goal-setting information at SG. A paired-sample t-test was conducted. Results: Workshop results indicate that participants lowered their A1C levels from 7.4 to 6.9 (p, .008). Participants increased their knowledge related to: nutrition from 29.4% to 70.6% correct (p, .001), blood pressure from 68.4% to 89.5% correct (p, .021), cholesterol from 36.8% to 100% correct (p, .000), and insulin resistance from 57.9% to 78.9% correct (p, .047). Next Steps: Education workshops are continuing with SG meetings held at the medical home. A faith-based version of the program is being piloted.