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Type 2 Diabetes: A Case Study

Decent Essays

Type 2 Diabetes is a continuing epidemic in the United States, particularly among African Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association (n.d.): "African Americans are 70% more likely to have diagnosed diabetes compared to Non-Hispanic Caucasians." The two most prominent health disparities implicated in Type 2 Diabetes with African Americans are: proportionally higher rates of diagnosis and disease-related complications (Byers et al, 2016). Notably, "ineffective patient-provider communication" and "disconnection" between a patient's diagnosis and their culture/lifestyle are thought to contribute to these disparities (Kirk et al, 2014). This disconnect between biological and social reality is likely due to ineffectual patient-provider …show more content…

In devising effective treatment strategies, barriers and facilitators of treatment must be determined in order for effective treatment plans to be put in place. Byers, et al (2016) determined that social support and health care support were facilitators in diabetes management while self-perception, fear, and frustration were barriers. While not every African American has all of these barriers and facilitators, thoughtful inquiries into the patient's daily living (contact with family, worries regarding diagnosis, etc.) can customize the generic health plan of lose weight, eat well, check the blood glucose. For example, if a patient's cultural upbringing values heavier body types than the American mainstream, healthcare workers must adjust the "weight loss" portion of diabetes management--either by making it palatable to the patient, or emphasizing healthy eating instead. The diabetes health plan can be adjusted so that the patient feels comfortable and is set up for success rather than being forced to fit within a narrow, outdated …show more content…

In becoming cultural competent and expanding ones worldview, new healthcare strategies can be implemented to better serve underserved populations, such as African Americans. Acknowledging the barriers to patient improvement, as well as areas that can ease the way to modifying food habits, will allow clinicians to individualize patient care, expectations, and diabetes management. Additionally, outside the clinicians office, creating a framework for diabetes support groups will lead to continuation of care and high likelihood of

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