Reducing Disparities in Diabetes Incidence in the Mexican-American Population of the South Texas Border Region

Objective: To bring about systems and policy changes to achieve the goal of preventing Type 2 diabetes and reducing health disparities in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

Methods: A state certified Promotora (community health worker) plays a key role as planner, educator and leader in the Promotora Community Project.  The Promotora address both primary and secondary prevention.  To assist in meeting the overarching goal of eradicating diabetes, the Promotora uses the Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program (DEEP) Curriculum and provides group health education, cooking demonstrations, and physical activity sessions.  She works with local food chains, restaurants and city officials to affect systems and policy change.The Promotora represents the community’s cultural, linguistic, educational and economic characteristics.  

Results: By the end of the four year project period,  at least 80% of participants in group health education sessions will report improved knowledge and self-monitoring; the program will increase physical activity opportunities for 100% of community residents; 50% of participants will demonstrate increased physical activity; and program activities including nutrition classes and food demonstrations in targeted communities will increase healthy food choices and nutritional consumption by 25%.

Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes along the Texas-Mexico border is significantly higher than that of the Texas state level and national level.  Through diabetes education programs, Migrant Health Promotion identified limited recreational opportunities and lack of affordable healthy food as factors contributing to the poor health of border residents.  Diabetes education programs are one way to reduce disparities in diabetes; however multi-component approaches are necessary to develop sustainable programs.