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Diabetes Prevention Interventions in Latin American Countries: a Scoping Review

  • Economics and Policy in Diabetes (ES Huang and A Baig, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Public policies, population health initiatives, and targeted behavioral change interventions for individuals at risk for developing diabetes are all essential for diabetes prevention in Latin American countries (LACs). This scoping review examines (1) the current evidence on diabetes prevention policies and interventions in LACs to identify components of effective diabetes prevention models in those countries and (2) effective diabetes prevention interventions targeting Latino populations in the USA to explore possible lessons from these interventions for LACs. Diabetes prevention programs in LACs evaluated to date consist of short-term health professional-led face-to-face behavioral counseling sessions. Intervention components of US-based programs for Latinos that might benefit diabetes prevention programs in Latin America include (1) deployment of community health workers (“promotoras”) for diabetes screening and delivery of lifestyle modification programs, (2) multiple modes of program delivery beyond face-to-face sessions, (3) information technology to automate and enhance program delivery, (4) leveraging of pre-existing familial relationships to engage in and sustain lifestyle modifications, and (5) innovative environmental change strategies such as collaborations with local food stores and markets to promote healthy behaviors.

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Acknowledgments

This study received financial support from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (Grant Number P30DK092926 (MCDTR)).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Michele Heisler & John D. Piette

  2. Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), Ann Arbor Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd. (152), Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA

    Michele Heisler, Elizabeth Kaselitz & John D. Piette

  3. Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Michele Heisler & John D. Piette

  4. Michigan Center for Diabetes Translational Research (MCDTR), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Michele Heisler

  5. Global REACH and Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Elizabeth Kaselitz

  6. Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, 1135 East Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Gurpreet K. Rana

  7. Center for Managing Chronic Disease, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    John D. Piette

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  1. Michele Heisler
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Correspondence to Michele Heisler.

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Michele Heisler, Elizabeth Kaselitz, Gurpreet K. Rana, and John D. Piette declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Heisler, M., Kaselitz, E., Rana, G.K. et al. Diabetes Prevention Interventions in Latin American Countries: a Scoping Review. Curr Diab Rep 16, 80 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-016-0778-7

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