Diabetes Health Promotion

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DiabetesHealth Promotion

• James Madison University
• Health and Human Services
• Malta
• May-June 2004

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The Team

• Julia Baugh Sr./4th yr. Physicians Assistant
• Kristen Finsness Sr./4th yr. Physiotherapy
• Christi Hess Sr./4th yr. Speech Pathology
• Lindsay Keifetz Jr./3rd yr Nursing
• Susan Kheir Sr./4th yr. Public Health

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Introduction

• 177 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide
• The World Health Organization (WHO) states that
  they expect the number of diabetic cases today to
  more then double by 2030
• Approximately 4 million deaths each year are
  caused by diabetes-related complications,
  totaling 9 of all deaths worldwide

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Introduction Continued

• Coinciding with worldwide statistics, the
  prevalence of diabetes in Malta is currently on
  the rise
• Recent epidemiological studies indicate that 10
  of the Maltese population suffers from diabetes

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Global Diabetes Statistics

• The following graph illustrates the prevalence of
  diabetes in selected countries in the year 2000

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Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus

• The pancreas and insulin production
• Glucose and cell fuel
• Kidney function

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Characteristics of Diabetes Mellitus

• Table highlighting the difference between Type I
  and Type II diabetes

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Health Problems related to Diabetes Mellitus

• Polyuria
• Glycosuria
• Polydipsia
• Blurred Vision
• Cell starvation

• Weight Loss
• Ketones in urine
• Fatigue
• Polyphagia

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Diabetes Mellitus in Malta

• The traditional Mediterranean diet includes
• -more fish than red meat
• -more olive oil than butter
• -large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables
• The Maltese dietary practices do not conform to a
  traditional Mediterranean diet, as a result
  sweets and fried foods have replaced fruits and
  vegetables

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Diabetes Mellitus in Malta

• Recent epidemiological studies indicate
• -10 of the Maltese population today suffers from
  diabetes
• -9 of whom suffer from Type II (adult onset)
  diabetes
• -84 of the Maltese diabetic population is obese
• -Diabetic rates of Malta are among the highest in
  all of Europe
• -The leading cause of death in Malta,
  cardiovascular disease, kills nearly 2/3 of all
  diabetic patients, and is significantly related
  to obesity

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Methodology

• In order to gain further knowledge about the
  Maltese diabetic population and the effectiveness
  of Maltas current diabetic education programs, a
  group of five American students conducted a
  series of surveys in the Diabetic Clinic at St.
  Lukes Hospital
• 38 participants 8 male, 20 female
• Thank you, Moira Grixti

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Methodology

• The survey consisted of six simple questions
• 1. Were you born in Malta?
• 2. How long have you been diagnosed?
• 3. Have you changed the way you eat? RATE the
  SCALE
• 1 not at all 2 somewhat changed
  3 very much changed
• 4. What is the hardest part of following a
  diabetic diet?
• 5. What would help you do better with your diet?

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Methodology Results

• 2. How long have you been diagnosed with
  Diabetes?

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Methodology Results

• 3. Have you learned about your diet relative to
  your diabetes?

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Methodology Results

• 4. Have you changed the way you eat since youve
  been diagnosed?

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Methodology Results

• 5. What is the hardest part of following a
  diabetic diet?

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Methodology Results

• 6. What would help you do better with your diet?

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Methodology Analysis

• -78 of our sample has learned about diet
  relative to diabetes
• -36.8 of the sample has significantly made
  changes to their diet
• -58 of the survey participants stated that the
  hardest part of following the diabetic diet was
  reducing their intake of sweets
• -7.8 said that the hardest part was regulating
  blood sugar

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Methodology Analysis

• Although 12 people said that nothing would help
  them follow their diet more closely, over 50
  said that their diet would be most influenced by
  more exercise and/or more education
• Most said that they do not currently exercise
  enough, and are not involved in or aware of
  programs that promote daily exercise and healthy
  eating

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Conclusion

• Education Programs
• -Meetings with diabetic educators
• -Diabetic support walking groups
• -Educational programs in schools
• -Mentoring program
• -Annual/bi-annual fair

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Conclusion

• Health Promotion
• -Flyers
• -Pamphlets
• -Billboards
• -Buses
• Location
• -grocery store
• -bakeries and confectionary
• -fruit and vegetable stands