Genetic Risk for Type II Diabetes Discussion

Identify one evidence-based behavior change that would promote health in your selected population.

Throughout this project, we have established that the Latino American/Hispanic population is at a greater genetic risk for type II diabetes. The CDC shines the light on certain cultural behaviors that can work to exacerbate this risk. With regards to food, Hispanic diets can be high in calories and fat, and during family celebrations, it may be considered impolite to turn down food. Weight and physical activity also play a role in the development of diabetes, and this population tends to be less physically active than others, and have higher rates of obesity – which may be seen as a sign of health in some Hispanic cultures (CDC, 2020).

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Diet adjustments may be the hardest, most culturally-related behavior that can change the course of this disease. However, it requires information, guidance, and support to make successful adjustments. Exercise and weight management should follow closely to complement the patient’s dietary efforts. These important behavior realizations should be reinforced with the idea that with a prediabetes or a diabetes diagnose, both doctor and patient each have to do our part (Brunk et al, 2015).

Suggest one specific culturally sensitive, evidence-based, measureable intervention to address the health problem for your selected population.

With knowledge and understanding of how food choices affect the development and progression of diabetes, the population can begin to implement appropriate dietary changes that focus both on the glycemic content of foods and healthy portions. This information should be provided in the population’s primary language and list food choices that are common to them. Ongoing follow up and support for questions should also be offered over the course of a few months or so.

Think in terms of measuring outcomes. What outcomes would you expect to see once the intervention(s) are in place? Be specific.

After a few months of this initial educational/supportive initiative, a day clinic could be set up to offer point of care A1c checks and blood glucose monitoring. At this time, we would expect to see decreasing or stable A1cs and blood glucose readings that are consistent with A1cs ranging between 5.5 – 7.5%. At this time, education about A1c and blood glucose frequency and goals should also be provided in order to create a target the patient.

References

Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (2020). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/hispanic-diabetes.html

Brunk, D. R., Taylor, A.G., Clark, M. L., Williams, I. C., & Cox, D. J. (2017). A Culturally Appropriate Self-Management Program for Hispanic Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Low Health Literacy Skills. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 28(2), 187–194.

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Many studies have been done to identify ways to prevent childhood obesity which include developing healthy eating habits, limiting calorie-rich temptations, helping children stay active, reducing sedentary time and ensure adequate sleep (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Although prevention is key, not all families will be successful in preventing obesity in their children. Although this is a major problem across the country, I have found that I am underwhelmed with the number of resources available for parents and children.

The main goal of reducing childhood obesity is early identification and developing an individualized treatment plan. The easiest way to monitor your child’s health is to participate in a yearly visit to a physician. Physicians can help identify problems with children’s weight and rule out any underlying causes. Once the problem has been identified, treatment can begin. During my research, I found that families that participate in home-based interventions that target childhood obesity significantly helped reduce weight in overweight children. These home-based interventions focused on individual counseling on how to manage and control healthy food, increase physical activity, and avoid sedentary lifestyles (Pamungkas &Chamroonsawasdi, 2019). Being in a comfortable home environment can make parents and children feel more comfortable.

The current an approved method to measure outcomes of weight loss is to use Body Mass Index (BMI). After enrolling in the home-based interventions, further evaluation and monitoring can be done in 3, 6, and 9 months to monitor for improvement. If no improvement is being made, more support and education may be necessary.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (August 17, 2020). Healthy Weight, Nutrition and Physical Activity: Tips for parents. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html

Chamroonsawasdi, K. and Pamungkas, R. (April 12, 2019). Home-Bases Interventions to Treat and Prevent Childhood Obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/9/4/38/htm