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Improving Diabetes Care for Native Americans with Healthcare Technology
Improving diabetes care for Native Americans through healthcare technology is vital for equitable and personalized management.
Diabetes is a global health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Among the various populations affected, Native Americans face exceptionally high rates of diabetes and related complications.
In an interview with LifeSciencesIntelligence, Janet Simon, DPM, Executive Director of the New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association and a podiatric physician who has served Native Americans in New Mexico for nearly 30 years, and Jon Bloom, MD, CEO and Co-founder of Podimetrics, discuss a comprehensive 2023 Podimetrics survey that sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and perspectives of Native Americans living with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
The survey titled “Why Are Native Americans Losing Limbs Faster Than Others Living with Diabetes?” also emphasizes the role of healthcare technology in addressing the unique needs of this population and promoting better health outcomes.
The Native American Diabetes Dilemma
Native Americans have the highest rates of diabetes among all racial groups in the United States, with a prevalence rate of 14.5%. They are also twice as likely to experience diabetes-related complications compared to White Americans.
The impact of diabetes on this population is immense, leading to conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, infections, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and lower-extremity amputations (LEAs). Previous studies have shown that LEAs among Native Americans with diabetes can be up to 160 times higher than those without diabetes.
Understanding the Challenges
The survey revealed significant challenges faced by Native Americans with T2D. Simon, discussing these obstacles, emphasized, "There are a wide array of other challenges that Native Americans living with diabetes encounter when it comes to accessing value-driven healthcare. Issues can range from an inability to get time off work to a lack of transportation to get to a doctor’s appointment."
"Lack of transportation, homelessness, and economic limitations further compounded the difficulties faced by Native Americans in managing their diabetes effectively," she added.
Healthcare Disparities
Native Americans reported poorer health outcomes and encountered racial disparities in accessing quality care compared to other races and ethnicities. The study highlighted that only 26% of Native Americans with T2D perceived any improvement in their health over the past year, while 45% believed it was harder for them to access high-quality care.
Furthermore, 57% reported living with a chronic behavioral health condition, and 73% had one or more physical health comorbidities complicating their situation.
Social Determinants of Health
"To bridge the gap and support Native Americans in managing their diabetes, it is crucial to address the social determinants of health,” Simon emphasized. The survey found that 40% of respondents received support from various groups, with nutrition assistance being the most common form of aid.
Other forms of social care support included free, durable medical equipment, in-home diagnostics or health assessments, and transportation assistance to healthcare appointments. Collaboration between healthcare providers, health insurers, government agencies, tribal leadership, nonprofits, and charities is essential to provide comprehensive support.
The Role of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
Healthcare technology, particularly RPM devices, offers promising solutions to enhance diabetes care for Native Americans.
"According to the Podimetrics study, less than half (42%) of Native American respondents reported ever using any form of RPM that connected them to their doctors,” Bloom said, highlighting the existing gap. “At the same time, 81% believe that RPM should automatically be included in routine T2D care."
Integrating RPM devices into diabetes care offers several benefits, including the following.
- Remote monitoring: Integrating RPM devices, such as continuous glucose monitoring, into diabetes care enables healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients' health status, allowing for early detection of complications and timely interventions.
- Patient empowerment: This integration actively involves patients in their care, fostering self-management and enhancing treatment adherence.
- Continuous feedback loop: RPM devices create a continuous feedback loop, facilitating personalized and targeted interventions based on real-time health data.
- Cost reduction: Utilizing RPM devices in diabetes management has the potential to reduce healthcare costs, offering a more efficient and economically sustainable approach to care.
The survey findings emphasize the pressing need to address the challenges faced by Native Americans living with T2D. By leveraging healthcare technology, particularly remote patient monitoring devices, healthcare providers can deliver more personalized care, improve patient outcomes, and bridge the healthcare disparities experienced by this population.
"Poor access to care, a shortage of healthcare providers, and a lack of prioritization in identifying patient challenges are major barriers." Simon reiterated
"Podimetrics’ mission is to prevent devastating and costly diabetic amputations through innovative at-home technology and meaningful patient support,” Bloom added. “An important part of this mission is helping drive awareness for those who are marginalized and, in turn, most often impacted by diabetes and related complications."
Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, policymakers, and technology innovators are essential in ensuring equitable access to quality care and enhancing the overall well-being of Native Americans with diabetes.
