Advancing Equity in Diabetes Prevention for Both Black and Hispanic Women: An Executive Summary of Lessons Learned and Action Steps

Abstract

Introduction

This report presents challenges, lessons learned, and action steps for healthcare organizations referring to or delivering the National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program to create culturally responsive Type 2 diabetes prevention strategies for disproportionately affected populations, specifically Black and Hispanic women with prediabetes.

Methods

The American College of Preventive Medicine, American Medical Association, and Black Women's Health Imperative identified healthcare organizations to build provider capacity to screen, test, and refer disproportionately affected populations to the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Sites provided data on participants screened, referred, and enrolled and qualitative reporting on barriers and facilitators to enrollment over a 36-month period. Key informant interviews were conducted with organizations implementing the National Diabetes Prevention Program to reduce prevalence of prediabetes in disproportionately affected populations, integrating thematic analysis to identify unique strategies.

Results

Healthcare organizations play a critical role in advancing equity at every level of diabetes prevention, including screening, testing, and referring participants to the National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program; engaging and retaining participants in the program; and screening and addressing social needs.

Conclusions

Healthcare organizations reduce disparities and advance health equity for disproportionately affected populations by cultivating program champions, engaging in community outreach, and advocating for systemic changes to increase accessibility.