Rethinking peer support for diabetes in Vancouver's South-Asian community: a feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is crucial for managing Type 2 diabetes.
• Peer support models offer a potentially scalable and culturally relevant approach to DSMES.
• Limited research exists on the feasibility and impact of peer support interventions specifically for South Asian adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a 24-week DSMES intervention incorporating peer support among South Asian adults with Type 2 diabetes.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on glycaemic control (HbA1c) and diabetes distress.
• To explore participant satisfaction with the peer support model.

Main Methods:

• A pilot intervention involving 41 South Asian adults with Type 2 diabetes.
• A 24-week program with initial education sessions co-facilitated by a diabetes educator and peer leaders, followed by peer-led support sessions.
• Feasibility assessed by recruitment/retention; health outcomes measured by HbA1c and diabetes distress at baseline, 6, and 24 weeks.

Main Results:

• Recruitment and retention criteria were successfully met, indicating feasibility.
• No significant changes in HbA1c or diabetes distress were observed at 6 weeks.
• At 24 weeks, HbA1c levels showed a deterioration, while diabetes distress scores significantly improved.

Conclusions:

• The peer support intervention is feasible for this population.
• The model shows potential for improving diabetes distress but not glycaemic control.
• Culturally adapted modifications are recommended to enhance health outcomes, necessitating further investigation.