Summary: | Background: To advance the goal of health improvement for diverse populations with diabetes, a patient-centered approach is foundational.
Methods: Innovative methods were used to initiate and advance an approach to diabetes engagement and self-management. We began with a strategy to understand how patients with diabetes view and interact with the disease via the medical community and moved to program development through patient-centered design and to the development of strategic partnerships and continuous learning from patients, stakeholders, and academic research partners.
Results:The mean age of the participants in the GoStrong™ program (n=106) was 51 ±9.2 (SD) years. There were significant differences in the HbA1c levels over time compared to the Control group (n=100). The mean HbA1c level from baseline to 36 months decreased from 7.49% to 6.89%, with the largest decline (to 6.28%, p
Conclusions: For diabetics, the GoStrong program results in reduced HbA1c levels, reduced costs, and reduced ER visits.
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