Background
Diabetes is a growing health concern in the
United States. Between 1980 and 2003 the number of Americans
with diabetes more than doubled, from 5.8 million to 13.8
million. 95% of these diabetics fall into the Type 2
category.
Diabetes
has a profound effect on the health of our population.
Complications from diabetes can lead to blindness, renal
disease, and amputations of lower extremities. Diabetics are
also at significantly increased risk for high blood pressure,
coronary artery disease, pregnancy complications, strokes and
other problems.
In light
of the increasing burden of the disease, the heavy reliance on
treatment alone is giving way to public health approaches to
prevent and control diabetes. Lifestyle changes—including
modifications in diet and regular physical activity—can prevent
or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Research has also shown
that diabetes management and education programs have had a
significant impact on improving health outcomes.
For this reason, the LOVN Care Team Diabetes Project was
created.
The
intervention
The LOVN Care Team Diabetes Project is funded by
the University of South Florida and the Sarasota County Health
Department. This study aims to assess the impact of a six-month,
integrated, in-home care program for type 2 diabetics over the
age of 60.
Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control
groups. Both groups receive educational materials, and
their diabetes health status is measured at the beginning,
middle, and end of the study. In addition, those in the
intervention group receive individualized care plans supported
by visits from a nurse, visits and contact from
Friendship-At-Home volunteers, and visits from a dietician and
certified diabetes educator.
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The
primary objectives of the intervention include the following:
1. Improve
medical management and patient self-management of diabetes;
2. Improve
patient knowledge of the disease and self-care behaviors;
3. Reduce
the number and severity of secondary complications of the
disease;
4. Reduce
diabetes-related hospitalizations and inappropriate use of
emergency departments;
5. Increase
the appropriate and effective use of community resources;
6. Reduce
isolation, depression, and other mental/social consequences of
the disease.
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Preliminary Results
As of December 31st, 2005, 66 participants were enrolled in the
LOVN Care Team Diabetes Project. Preliminary data suggest
that the impact of the intervention is stronger than
anticipated. Three-month follow-up data for a subset of
the study population reveal that those receiving the
intervention have experienced an average drop in hemoglobin A1c
(A1c) of .7% , a significant difference when compared to
individuals in the control group.
Outcomes
Though the pilot phase of the project ended in June
of 2006, members of the LOVN CHAT Senior Issues Subcommittee and
CHIP staff are currently working to secure funding to extend and
expand the program beyond June.
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Outcomes from the LOVN Care Team Diabetes
Project
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Click here
to view the informed consent form.
Please contact
Kari Ellingstad, MPH, at
the Sarasota County
Health Department for further
details.
She can be reached at 941.861.2867,
or by
email at
kari_ellingstad@doh.state.fl.us
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