Changes in Glycemic Control following utilization of a Spanish-language, Culturally Adapted, Diabetes Program: A Retrospective Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND A number of barriers exist to diabetes treatment and care, particularly in underserved medical communities. OBJECTIVE To address these barriers, this study aimed to evaluate a novel, culturally-adapted, Spanish-language mHealth diabetes program on glycemic control (HbA1c). METHODS The Spanish-language Vida Health Diabetes Management Program was utilized among 182 (females = 119) Spanish-speaking adults with diabetes. This app-based Program provided access to culturally-adapted educational content on diabetes self-management, one-to-one remote counseling and coaching sessions, and on-demand in-app messaging with bilingual (Spanish and English) certified health coaches, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. RESULTS We observed a significant decrease in HbA1c of -1.23 points between baseline (mean: 9.65, SD: 1.56) and follow-up (mean: 8.42, SD: 1.44; p<0.001). Additionally, we observed a greater decrease in HbA1c among participants with high program engagement (change high: -1.59, SD: 1.97; change low: -0.84, SD: 1.64, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This work highlights that the Vida Health Diabetes Management application can be culturally adapted to serve Spanish-speaking populations, and that it can be effective in improving glycemic control.