I have been trying to research the incidence of Diabetes in the DR but have not come up with very useful demographic statistics. I am working with a close friend who is a specialist (Endocrinologist) to develop a peer to peer (p2p) program for education and self-care among Native Americans. He is also a medical anthropologist, so his knowledge and experience run deep. He is an international physician and is currently working with Native American tribes in the US.
With the epidemic increase of this disease worldwide and the lack of medical care for the majority of those afflicted, there is the need for another approach beyond the current medical models. And this is especially true with the limited access to health care for most populations in third world countries; the DR being one of personal interest to me since I am considering retiring there. Although I am not a medical professional, my expertise lies elsewhere such as research, education and writing. So, it is my hope to explore the different types of programs, both educational and self-care that exist in the DR to see if a peer to peer program might be viable in Dominican communities.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with peer to peer, the program relies on community and family members, who either have Diabetes or who have relatives with the disease, to assist in the education and dissemination of information relative to self-care in the prevention and mitigation of the symptoms. Although Diabetes is not curable, it is controllable, depending on the type. Changes in diet and lifestyle with community and family support are the key elements to success.
Once we have initiated the program here in the US, we plan to tailor it to other countries, the DR being one. If any of you have information or contacts with information, please post your comments. Thank you.
With the epidemic increase of this disease worldwide and the lack of medical care for the majority of those afflicted, there is the need for another approach beyond the current medical models. And this is especially true with the limited access to health care for most populations in third world countries; the DR being one of personal interest to me since I am considering retiring there. Although I am not a medical professional, my expertise lies elsewhere such as research, education and writing. So, it is my hope to explore the different types of programs, both educational and self-care that exist in the DR to see if a peer to peer program might be viable in Dominican communities.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with peer to peer, the program relies on community and family members, who either have Diabetes or who have relatives with the disease, to assist in the education and dissemination of information relative to self-care in the prevention and mitigation of the symptoms. Although Diabetes is not curable, it is controllable, depending on the type. Changes in diet and lifestyle with community and family support are the key elements to success.
Once we have initiated the program here in the US, we plan to tailor it to other countries, the DR being one. If any of you have information or contacts with information, please post your comments. Thank you.
