CURRENT PROJECTS

DIABETES PROJECT

The Haitian Diabetes Project: and initiative of the National Haitian American Health Alliance (NHAHA) The Haitian Diabetes Project is a NHAHA initiative which falls under its health education efforts. The project targets Haitians but has been designed to reach other Caribbean groups and French-speaking Africans.

The goal of this initiative is to:

      1. Increase community awareness of diabetes
      2. Develop knowledge and skills that enable people with diabetes to make appropriate choices to maintain
or improve health
      3. Increase access to diabetes resources
The three main activities that are being used to accomplish the project goals are a radio education series, a diabetes public service announcement (PSA), and a diabetes workshop.

The diabetes radio education series is being aired on a well followed Haitian radio station, Radio Optimum. The PSA will air on Radio Soliel, another well followed Haitian radio station. Both will raise awareness in the Haitian community about diabetes and what can be done to prevent or control diabetes. The radio listeners are given an opportunity to call in and speak with our project's nurse educator with any concerns or diabetes related questions they may have. Thus far, the series and PSA have been well received by the community.

The diabetes workshops has been designed with a goal to raise awareness around diabetes, but also will give each participant the basic skills needed to make healthy lifestyle changes in order to prevent or control their diabetes. The workshop consists of three components. The first component is an interactive presentation by the project's nurse educator on diabetes. This presentation will consist of the basics on diabetes, how it can be prevented, overview medications and a brief introduction to nutrition and exercise. This will be followed by an exercise demonstration.

The exercise component, led by our community health worker, will take each participant through a series of low impact warm ups, cool downs, and exercise movements that can be done at home. Resistance bands will be used for this component. Thereafter, workshop will conclude with a cooking demonstration. During this demonstration, participants will be able to "cook in the kitchen". Our cooking instructor will show the participants how they can continue to eat traditional Haitian cuisine by tailoring a few ingredients to suite the nutrition needs of someone who is at risk or living with diabetes.

Each piece of the workshop will be evaluated by using pre/post test to measure change in knowledge, attitudes, and self efficacy.

DIABETES EDUCATION

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when a person's body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use insulin properly. In persons with diabetes, the sugar (glucose) builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, nerve damage and kidney damage. Diabetes is a serious condition that can be controlled. Good control reduces your risk of complications. Working with primary care phycian and managing your diabetes at home is the key to success in controlling your diabetes.

Visit our online NHAHA Diabetes page often to find the information, advice, resources and support you need to win the challenge. We want you to live life to the fullest with diabetes.

The three most common types of diabetes are:
       - Type 1 diabetes
Occurs when the pancreas can no longer make insulin, the hormone that regulates the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood.This form of diabetes usually develops in children or young adults. Type 1 diabetes patients need insulin (delivered by injection, pump, or oral medications) in order to store and use glucose. It is estimated that 5% to 10% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
       - Type 2 diabetes
Develops when the body stops recognizing the insulin secreted by the pancreas. It begins with insulin resistance and leads to a situation similar to type 1 diabetes in which the pancreas can't secrete enough insulin. The cells start off being unable to use the insulin being produced and eventually the pancreas stops making it. Nearly 95% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
       - Gestational diabetes
Occurs when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy (insulin resistance). Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. Glucose builds up in the blood to high levels. This is called hyperglycemia.

What is an A1C?
The A1C test ordered by your physician shows your average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.

In order to keep your diabetes controlled, your A1C should be less than 7.

How to fight Diabetes

Diabetes cannot yet be cured but it can be managed. You can lead a full, active life with diabetes. But first you need to learn how to manage your diabetes. It is important to work with your primary care physician to help you make good choices.

Here are seven things you can do to fight diabetes:

      1. Keep your appointments.
See your doctor generally four times a year, or more frequently if not under control.
      2. Know your ABCs.
A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
      3. Take your medicine.
You should understand when you are supposed to take your medication, including insulin injections, and how much you should take. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about "look-alike" or "sound-alike" diabetes drugs.
      4. Check your blood sugar levels.
Blood sugar monitoring lets you know when your blood sugar level is outside the target range. This allows your doctor, dietitian, or nurse educator to make needed changes. A healthy blood sugar level is an A1C test result of less than 7. Patients with Type 1 diabetes do fingerstick testing 4 times per day. Patients with Type 2 diabetes do fingerstick testing as instructed by their physician.
      5. Eat right.
A healthy diet is a perfect balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. A healthy diet can help bring your glucose under control and help you lose weight. http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/
      6. Be active.
Exercise will consist of anything that moves your body and the choice of exercise depends on you. Exercise 30 minutes 5 days a week. Walking is preferred. Learn more here about.
      7. Control your stress.
Stress -- both physical and emotional -- can cause an increase in hormones, resulting in an increase in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are not controlled, you are at risk of having complications from diabetes

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