Collaborative Effort Addresses Diabetes on Near-East Side

Article taken from the Columbus Medical Association Foundation Quarterly Newsletter, Vol 2, Issue 4, Dec. 2008:

Two previously funded programs and a newly created pilot program helped the Columbus Medical Association Foundation foster a collaborative partnership to address the prevalence of diabetes on the near east side. The Urban Diabetes Fitness Program, created by the Ohio State University Foundation, leverages existing resources to increase positive health outcomes for people with diabetes and encourage their family and friends to make healthy lifestyle selections



The near-east side project is a collaboration between OSU East, the Central Ohio Diabetes Association’s Healthy Lifestyle Center and the Central Community House. The program itself is a three-pronged approach of medical, nutritional and social support services to reach out to the African-American community.

Leon McDougal, MD, an associate professor at the Ohio State University and family physician at OSU East, leads the medical team’s effort to improve the lives of those that suffer from Type 2 Diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. “The death rate for diabetes on the near east side is double for that in the city of Columbus and Franklin County,” said Dr. McDougal.

OSU Family Practice at University Hospital East currently serves 468 diabetic patients. 100 African American patients were randomly selected to enroll in the study. The participants receive pre and post tests to assess readiness for change and ultimately to measure the change parameters.

Over a 12-month period, participants and their two support people will undergo nutrition and physical activity education. They will attend four group sessions led by a lifestyle coach to cover 16 lifestyle modification topics as detailed by the Diabetes Prevention Program curriculum. All participants will receive a pedometer and culturally sensitive dietary training centered on “The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes”. The program includes a walking program and encourages participants to walk with their social support persons at least 3 times a week for 30 – 60 minutes. Dietary intake is monitored along with the physical activity through the steps taken via pedometer recordings. Other changes monitored include body weight, body mass index and Hemoglobin A1C results.

This practice site is located in Near East Columbus about 4 blocks from the Central Ohio Diabetes Association’s new Healthy Lifestyle Center (funded by the CMAF in 2005) and within a 10-minute drive to the Central Community House (funded by the CMAF in 2006).

The Columbus Medical Association Foundation is always searching for innovation in tools that support healthcare issues. If you have a grant proposal or are interested in supporting one of our existing programs, please contact the Columbus Medical Association Foundation at 614-240-7420.

Photography by Jason Moore