Hispanic adults with diabetes could benefit from peer support interventions
MU study finds peer support interventions effective at improving blood sugar levels of minority patients
In the study, researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine examined the effectiveness of peer support interventions, where diabetic patients received support from a person who had knowledge from their own experiences with diabetes or someone who had been affected by diabetes, but may not have the disease themselves, such as a caregiver or family member. The researchers found that the interventions were effective at improving the blood sugar levels of participants from minority groups, especially those of Hispanic ethnicity.
of course, we already knew that, but I thought you might find the article interesting…
The benefits of peer support seem obvious to me, a participating member of this community. It’s unfortunate that effective tactics like peer support, appropriate exercise, and mindful eating do not attract enough resources for a controlled trial due to the lack of a big payoff for some profit-making entity. The social good that returns from these common sense methods should count for something due to lessening the financial burden on society in the long run. And that’s not to mention the immediate benefit enjoyed by the patient.
Peer support for anything is so helpful. And I am so glad the medical professionals are coming on board win this. There are now medical teams that are doing group office visits. Many find it so helpful when they can talk openly about things in a group setting. And realizing that they are not alone. And while I love my medical team, I find I get more out of my support group meetings because everyone in the room has been there done that and they get it. And for those who can’t get to a support group or team office visit the DOC is great!
Definitely. There is some research nowadays supporting these interventions. Peer support has been one of our most cherished tools. In our Spanish speaking countries there is still a lot of work to do as not all our populations find immediate support and of course there are few diabetes education formal programs (which is tremendously sad if you ask me) I also wish to see sometime soon resources destined to exercise and mindful eating programs as we have no doubt of their absolute value for all of us.
