Author
School of Pharmacy, American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, California, USA
Abstract
Objective: Hawaii has diverse population made up of a cultural mix of different races.
Due to different cultural and social influences and language barrier, many of the
under‑served population who migrated to Hawaii and having diabetes mellitus may
be susceptible to long‑term complications due to uncontrolled hyperglycemia and
medication nonadherence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a
diabetes education program on the clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus
in the Micronesian community of Hawaii.
Methods: This study included patients over age 18 years, with a diagnosis of type 2
diabetes mellitus. The diabetes education program was customized for its weekly
classes to fit to the under‑served population. Data were collected on participants on
the 1st day and then 6 months after attending the education program. Data on primary
and secondary endpoints were collected and analyzed.
Findings: The mean glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose, and triglyceride
levels of participants fell significantly from baseline after attending the diabetes
education program for 6 months. No significant changes were observed in other
secondary outcomes during the study time period.
Conclusion: Based on our findings, the diabetes education program that was tailored
to the Micronesian population was successful in achieving glycemic goals, enhancing
medication adherence, improving clinical outcomes, and also preventing long‑term
complications among its participants.
Keywords
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