Diabetes, a prevalent global health concern impacting millions, necessitates immediate attention. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that 463 million adults aged 20-79 have diabetes, with projections reaching 578 million by 2030 (Saeedi et al., 2019). This chronic condition significantly contributes to premature deaths, sight loss, renal failure, heart attacks, and strokes. Stakeholders globally are actively involved in strategic planning and policy development to address this escalating crisis (Hendricks et al., 2023).
Initiatives by Global Health Organizations
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO leads the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases, including diabetes. The plan aims to reduce early deaths from such diseases by 25% through cost-effective policies by 2025. During the pandemic, the IDF established the Diabetes and COVID-19 task force, advocating for equitable access to diabetes care (World Health Organization, 2022).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC in the U.S. launched the National Diabetes Prevention Program, focusing on lifestyle changes to prevent type 2 diabetes. The European Diabetes Forum, supported by the European Union (EU), collaborates to develop diabetes prevention and management policies (Prevention, 2020).
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC): In Australia, NHMRC crafted the National Diabetes Strategy for 2016-2020, outlining the nation’s approach to mitigate the impact of diabetes (Krass et al., 2023).
Rationale for Culturally Sensitive Strategies
Addressing the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), I emphasized culturally sensitive strategies for diabetes management. School nurses, pivotal in diabetes care for school-aged children, form a critical audience for this discussion (Bergren, 2022).
Research and Preparation
My preparation involved comprehensive research on diabetes, incorporating causes, prevalence, and global initiatives. Expert consultations ensured the cultural sensitivity of proposed strategies. Utilizing reputable sources like the WHO and American Diabetes Association, along with a survey of school nurses, enriched the depth of my recommendations (Largent, 2021).
Culturally Sensitive Education Programs:
Develop programs considering cultural beliefs, practices, and dietary habits. Ensure accessibility and usefulness of information (Brooks et al., 2019).
Community-Based Interventions:
Establish peer support groups with community leaders to encourage healthy behaviors (Pamungkas & Chamroonsawasdi, 2019).
Affordable Access to Medication:
Advocate for policies supporting affordable diabetes medication and supplies (Mohan et al., 2019).
Healthy Eating Policies:
Implement policies encouraging access to culturally appropriate and healthy foods (Gruss et al., 2019).
Sustainable Resources and Policy Development
Diabetes, a global health concern, necessitates strategic investment in sustainable resources and policy development. Advocating for NASN’s involvement in promoting diabetes prevention and management policies aligns with their mission and contributes to better health outcomes (Bergren, 2022).
Established Policies in Mauritius and the United States
Country |
Policy |
---|---|
Mauritius | Diabetes Registry |
United States | National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) |
Affordable Care Act (ACA) | |
National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) | |
National Service Framework for Diabetes (NSFD) | |
Sugar Tax |
Call for Investment in Sustainable Resources and Policy Development
Investing in sustainable resources, like green spaces and access to healthy food, and advocating for evidence-based policies are crucial steps. Collaborating with organizations like NASN aligns with the broader goal of promoting a healthier and more sustainable future (Chung et al., 2020).
Reflection on Presentation
The presentation garnered active engagement, w