Culture-specific diabetes care for Surinam South Asians with a low socio-economic position: who benefits?

Abstract

The South Asians in The Netherlands have a high diabetes prevalence in combination with a low socio-economic position. A new, culture-specific type of care was developed. This intervention study investigates which patient characteristics are associated with success and whether those in the lowest socio-economic position have been reached. Before and after the end of the intensive guidance, the HbAlc of the patients (n=101) was measured. The following variables were significantly related to success (defined as a decrease in HbAlc > or = 0.8%): a high initial HbAlc, a low BMI and presence of complications. The average improvement in HbAlc was significant only in the group with a higher socio-economic position. Although the patients with the lowest socio-economic position did not sufficiently benefit from this intervention, an overall improvement was achieved in this poorly educated study population. The further improvements in the care after the completion of this study should be evaluated.