Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
What WE DODiabetes Self-Management and
Prevention Program
Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program
Latino Health Access's flagship Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program (DSM) was created to address service gaps affecting Orange County's Latino community. Founded in 1993 by CEO Dr. America Bracho, this culturally responsive program uses interactive methods like role-playing and experience sharing to help participants create personalized management plans. For nearly 30 years, this grassroots initiative has helped countless people improve their A1c levels and reduce diabetes complications through sustainable lifestyle changes, with results published in scholarly journals.
Spanish-speaking Promotores lead our 10-week Diabetes Self-Management Program, meeting weekly for 2 hours to share culturally relevant information while fostering peer learning. Beyond group sessions, Promotores provide personalized case management, building trust that enables deeper conversations about social barriers to diabetes management. They connect participants with essential resources, including diabetic retinopathy screenings, podiatry exams, primary care, and food assistance. Working directly with affected community members allows us to develop practical solutions that address real-world challenges.
Through culturally appropriate education and access to services, our participants make informed lifestyle changes that improve their well-being. Most importantly, they discover that diabetes isn't a "death sentence" but a manageable chronic condition. Overview of topics covered in our Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program:
For inquiries, contact Guillermo Alvarez
galvarez@latinohealthaccess.org or (714) 988-3346.
Module 1
What is Diabetes?
Participants learn about the different types of Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, Pre—, and Gestational).
Module 2
Monitoring
We learn about the importance of daily glucose monitoring, what do the numbers mean?, and how I can use these numbers to better communicate with my Primary Care Physician. Additionally, we explore the participants’ barriers that might hinder this process.
Module 3
Diabetes and the Human Body
Participants hear about the different systems and organs that can be affected by uncontrolled Diabetes.
Module 4
Complications
Promotores lead a conversation surrounding various complications associated with uncontrolled Diabetes (amputations, dialysis, loss of sight, etc.).
Participants are encouraged to share their point of view regarding complications and if/how they have played a role in their lives.
Module 5
Complications
Promotores lead a conversation surrounding various complications associated with the Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program, with uncontrolled Diabetes (amputations, dialysis, loss of sight, etc.).
Participants are encouraged to share their points of view regarding complications and if/how they have played a role in their lives.
Module 6
Nutrition
Participants learn about food groups, are introduced to MyPlate, and begin to learn about what constitutes a balanced meal.
Module 7
Nutrition
Participants learn how to read the nutrition label, the importance of controlling sodium and fat intake, and are able to explain what a balanced meal is.
Module 8
Exercise
We talk about the importance that exercise in managing Diabetes.
We explore the existing barriers with participants and work with them to find reasonable solutions in order to maintain an active lifestyle.
Module 9
Medication
Promotores lead a conversation surrounding the importance of access to medication, adherence to prescription, being informed of possible side effects, not discontinuing medications without consulting their PCP, and the importance of Insulin. Participants also contribute to the conversation by sharing past experiences and ideologies, further enriching the conversation and peer-to-peer learning.
Module 10
Emotional Wellness
Participants learn about the various ways their emotional wellness can affect the management of their Diabetes. This is an important topic as the incidence of depression, anxiety, fear, and even grief experienced by our community has been further augmented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diabetic Retinopathy Exam
It is recommended that anyone with a Diabetes diagnosis get an annual Diabetic Retinopathy Exam to ensure that their vision has not been affected.For a reduced cost, our participants have access to a vision exam through our collaboration with the University Eye Center at Ketchum Health. This exam includes:
Vision | Cataract | Glaucoma | Diabetic Retinopathy
Additionally, our participants receive a discount on any prescription lenses or additional exam/treatments they may require.
Podiatry Exam
It is recommended that anyone with a Diabetes diagnosis get an annual Foot exam to prevent/treat any damage or infection. For a low cost, our participants have access to a Podologist through our collaboration with Foot Care Center.
Nutrition Consultation
For a low cost, participants can have a one-on-one nutrition consultation with a Nutrition Specialist. During this 1 hr appointment, participants explore personal barriers preventing them from carrying out a balanced diet and work with the Nutrition Specialist to find plausible solutions and create a personalized nutrition plan to help in the management/prevention of their Diabetes.
Community Clinic
Participants with uncontrolled Diabetes, no insurance, and no access to Primary Care will be referred to our community clinic for treatment, a collaboration with Kaiser and Lestonnac Free Clinic. Through this partnership, participants will Diabetes Self-Management and Prevention Program have a medical home with access to free medical care (as deemed appropriate by the medical team) and medication and labs at a reduced cost.