Focus on Diabetes

The goal of Focus on Diabetes was to improve the health and health-related quality of life of African Americans with diabetes in Denver, Colorado.

The Center for African American Health (CAAH) first conducted focus groups, during which participants revealed that they needed to know more about diabetes and its consequences, the importance of diet, exercise and blood glucose monitoring, how to prepare healthful foods and where to get guidance in how to manage diabetes. Focus on Diabetes then used this information to create their program.

Diabetes self management (DSM) classes were held at the CAAH and included a nutritious dinner and an exercise component. Walking programs were introduced at local African American churches and a pilot project to help prevent obesity and lower risks for diabetes, called "Lighten Up," was implemented at one church. Support groups and telephone follow up allowed participants to continue setting goals and monitoring their A1c levels. And finally, various community awareness and education activities were conducted, including: seasonal cooking demonstrations, Diabetes Awareness Sundays (information and screening) at black churches, and outreach at churches, beauty salons, barbershops and other community sites.

The goal of Focus on Diabetes was to improve the health and health-related quality of life of African Americans with diabetes through community-based self-care education and events.

From 2004 to 2006, over 200 people participated in the program. During that time, approximately 25% of participants with an A1c level of greater than 7%, reduced their level to less than 7%.