Empowering Generations Through Diabetes Education
Latinos in the U.S. are roughly 66% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic individuals, and they often experience more severe complications once diagnosed. For many Latinos with this chronic health condition, barriers like lack of insurance, language differences, limited access to preventative care and food insecurity play a significant role in disease management.
Diabetes education and advocacy can help bridge the gap for these patients by increasing awareness and encouraging early intervention. That’s where the Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program – or DEEP™ for short – at Valleywise Health can make a world of difference.
DEEP is an evidence-based diabetic and nutrition education program at Valleywise Health’s Avondale, South Phoenix and Laveen clinics developed for patients who are pre-diabetic or living with Type 2 diabetes. The eight-week course is designed to teach patients and their family members how to prevent or control diabetes while empowering them with self-management skills to prevent future complications from the disease.
The weekly classes are both educational and enjoyable, fostering a community of supporters who enhance and potentially extend the patient’s life.
“The DEEP program is a precious resource,” said Reina Chacon, a registered nurse at Valleywise Health in Avondale.
“Through the program, I can give my patients tools and information that will change their lives and create new habits. There is a sense of pride in what they can accomplish and a real joy that comes when they see their medical numbers improve. Often, the fear of coming to see the doctor starts to dissolve and you can’t put a price on that kind of relief.”
Mariella, a DEEP graduate, is living with diabetes. Sadly, the disease had several negative health implications including eyesight loss. When she joined DEEP, she was skeptical about the program and worried it was “too good to be true,” but she took a chance to improve her life and made critical changes for her health and the health of her family.
“In our culture, if a mother isn’t well, the whole family is unwell, too,” said Annette, Mariella’s 18-year-old daughter.
“Seeing my mom struggle made me feel very sad and stressed, but I am so proud of her and all her hard work. She is more confident, motivated and joyful now and that makes me very happy.”
Annette noticed small changes in her mom immediately after she started the DEEP program. Now, eight weeks later, they have made changes that are impacting the whole family. From starting the day with a healthy, well-balanced breakfast to increasing the number of steps they take each day, they are working to improve their health today and for the future.
“I am happy for all the help I got and for everything I learned at Valleywise,” said Mariella. “Thanks to this program I made new friends and created a very supportive community. Although I was scared to come at first, now I don’t want to leave.”
