Consensus Conference Series on Dysglycemia-Based Chronic Disease (DBCD) in Latin America: The Chilean...

Objective: The MEchanick Transculturalization Research and Innovation ConSortium/Bernard Lown Scholars in Cardiovascular Health Program Consensus Conference on Dysglycemia-Based Chronic Disease (DBCD) Transculturalization in Chile convened on November 20, 2023, in Santiago, Chile. The conference generated affirmed and emergent concepts, key strategies, and specific implementation tactics to improve type 2 diabetes (T2D) care in Chile. Findings: Important affirmed concepts included: (1) implementing a comprehensive approach to T2D management beyond glycemic control; (2) addressing unique challenges for early detection and treatment of T2D; and (3) applying expanded roles of telemedicine. Important emergent concepts included: (1) adopting transculturalized chronic care models such as DBCD; (2) recognizing prediabetes as a critical DBCD target to prevent T2D and T2D complications, especially cardiovascular disease; and (3) implementation of the DBCD model for individual and population health. Key strategies included: (1) validation of culturally adapted T2D risk assessment tools; (2) integration of social determinants of health (SDOH) and ethnocultural factors into DBCD care strategies/tactics; and (3) promotion of equity in healthcare access for all people comprising diverse populations. Finally, specific implementation tactics included: (1) focusing on patient-centered public policies; (2) ensuring access to effective treatments; and (3) using culturally relevant resources for education and prevention. When coordinated, these strategies and tactics mitigate DBCD progression, thereby enhancing healthcare outcomes. Conclusions and recommendations: Expert consensus emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to T2D management in Chile, leveraging transculturalized lifestyle medicine, validated risk assessment tools, SDOH, and patient-centered public policies. This process should begin with incorporating eHealth technologies, validation studies, and then translation into clinical practice guidelines. As this templated methodology is applied to other regions of the world, the resulting compendium of concepts, strategies, and tactics can foment a more effective preventive health culture and optimize DBCD care across the ethnocultural spectrum.