Ebeye Diabetic Health Improvement

Abstract

Objectives – Translation and implementation of a diabetes mellitus type 2 educational curriculum in Ebeye, an island within the Republic of Marshall Islands, and a preliminary evaluation of improvements in health outcomes. Methods – Ebeye Public Health Clinic Health Educators held a series of hourly diabetes mellitus type 2 educational sessions with 17 Marshallese participants, based on a curriculum previously used with a group of Marshallese diabetics in Hawaii, focusing on diet, exercise, medications, and insulin administration. Baseline and six month data was collected on surrogate markers of health status. Results – After 6 months, statistically significant improvements were seen in the percentage of participants with blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg and weight loss of at least 10 pounds since their last visit. Minor trends toward improvement were observed in participation with; statin treatment, self monitoring of blood glucose goals set, and nutritional counseling. Discussion – Some markers of diabetic health improvement were observed in this preliminary translational study, and similar studies in other Pacific areas are being planned.