Hispanic diabetics targeted by program

Outreach planned for Hispanic diabetics
By Keila Torres Staff writer 01/30/2009

BRIDGEPORT -- Bridgeport Hospital plans to offer in-home diabetes education services for Spanish-speaking adults.

Hispanics, like blacks and American Indians, have a high genetic disposition for diabetes, according to medical authorities. For Latinos, though, the language barrier can be a detriment to acquiring vital information needed to treat their condition, as well as to provide advice on exercise routines, nutrition and general health care, said Dr. Stuart Zarich, the hospital's chief of cardiology.

Treating the disease is "really something you have to do day to day," Zarich said. "Diabetes is really all about self-empowerment and learning to take care of yourself. If you don't understand diabetes, it's almost impossible to treat."

Without close monitoring and treatment, diabetes can lead to heart disease, blindness, kidney disease and other problems, he added.

Through the program, Hispanic patients will receive information about how to understand their condition, including how to monitor their blood-sugar levels. The program will be tailored to address "ethnic or cultural reasons why they may not want to take a medicine," Zarich said.

People will be referred to the new program by local clinics and physicians at the hospital. "Typically, we are looking for uninsured, Spanish-speaking patients with diabetes," he said.

According to Steve Jakab, president of the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, the hospital has a large number of Latino patients. "We certainly see enough people currently that we can make the referrals ourselves," he said.

The program will be funded through a $50,000 grant given by Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Connecticut. The grant, which is good for one year, will pay for the salary of a yet-to-be-hired certified diabetes educator and for diabetes pamphlets and materials printed in Spanish.

"We're very pleased to be able to partner with Bridgeport Hospital to help uninsured folks who suffer from diabetes in the greater Bridgeport area," said Jim Augur, vice president of sales for Anthem.

For the at-home sessions, patients will receive the same services now offered by the hospital's outpatient diabetes education program.