An interim report of an intervention strategy for diabetes care in Jamaica

The high prevalence (17.9%) of diabetes mellitus and its attendant costs have been recognized for some time. The diabetic public has hitherto been too oriented to seeking health care at the secondary and tertiary health care centres; a much too costly approach. As a part of a wellness promotion thrust as well as an awareness and intervention strategy, a number of health care agencies have collaborated in a training programme of lay diabetes facilitators. This was intended to allow a domino effect of "each one teach one" within the community. This intervention programme was undertaken over an 18-month period. No significant changes were achieved in glycaemia levels. The impact on hospital admissions and community awareness is yet to be assessed. Laboratory results indicated good correlation between glycosuria and hyperglycaemia. This could influence the thrust in maintaining glycosuria assessment alongside blood glucose monitoring. This approach would have a cost benefit for government clinics islandwide. Whilst it may be difficult to identify any one parameter that may be responsible for change, it will be possible to assume that this intervention strategy, the only innovation in the health care delivery modalities, may have contributed.