Researchers tested a new diabetes management program called ¡Salud, Salud! designed specifically for low-income Latino adults. The 12-week program combined one-on-one coaching from community health workers, online family lessons, and gym membership. Of 81 participants, those who completed the program showed improvements in blood sugar control, weight loss, stress levels, and healthier eating habits. While the results are promising, the study was small and not all participants finished the program, so more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a diabetes education and support program delivered through digital tools and community health workers could help low-income Latino adults better manage their diabetes and improve their health.
  • Who participated: 81 adults (average age 49 years, mostly women) with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes from two YMCA locations in Central Texas. About 82% identified as Latino, and most had lower incomes.
  • Key finding: After 12 weeks, participants who completed the program showed lower blood sugar levels, lost weight, reduced stress, ate less added sugar, and moved around more. About 58% reported feeling in good or excellent health by the end, compared to 40% at the start.
  • What it means for you: If you’re Latino with diabetes or prediabetes and have limited income, this type of program may help you manage your condition better. However, this was a small study, so talk with your doctor before making major changes. The program works best if you actively participate in all parts of it.

The Research Details

This study followed 81 adults for 12 weeks to see if a diabetes program would help them. The program, called ¡Salud, Salud!, had three main parts: personal coaching from community health workers (people from the community trained to help with health), online lessons for families to learn about managing diabetes, and free YMCA gym membership. Researchers measured participants’ blood sugar, weight, stress levels, eating habits, and exercise at the beginning and end of the 12 weeks. They also tracked how much of the program each person actually used.

The study was conducted at two YMCA locations in Central Texas. Participants received coaching calls, completed online lessons, and could use a digital dashboard to track their progress. The program was designed specifically for Latino families and included culturally relevant information and support.

This research approach is important because it tests a real-world program in actual community settings where people live and exercise, rather than in a laboratory. Using community health workers is significant because they understand the culture and challenges of the people they serve. The digital tools make the program easier to access and track progress. This type of study helps researchers understand what actually works for real people in real communities.

This study has some strengths: it tested a program in real community settings, used trained community health workers, and measured multiple important health outcomes. However, there are limitations to consider: only 59% of participants completed the full 12 weeks, which is a significant dropout rate; there was no comparison group to see if the improvements were due to the program or other factors; and the sample size was relatively small. These factors mean the results are promising but not definitive proof that the program works for everyone.

What the Results Show

The main results showed that participants who completed the 12-week program experienced several important health improvements. Their blood sugar levels (measured by a test called HbA1c) decreased by about 0.3%, which is a modest but meaningful improvement. More importantly, the percentage of people reporting good or excellent health jumped from 40% at the start to 58% at the end—a significant increase.

Participants also lost weight, with an average loss of about 3 pounds, and their body fat percentage decreased by about 1.3%. They reported feeling less stressed, which is important because stress can make diabetes harder to manage. Their eating habits improved, with participants consuming about 2 fewer teaspoons of added sugar per day. Physical activity also improved, with people spending about 70 fewer minutes sitting down each week.

Beyond the main results, participants showed other positive changes. Their mindfulness—the ability to stay present and calm—increased significantly. This is important because mindfulness can help people make better health choices and manage stress. The study also found that participants’ knowledge about diabetes, their confidence in managing it, and their sense of support all improved, though the paper doesn’t provide specific numbers for these changes. These improvements suggest the program helped people feel more capable and supported in managing their condition.

This study builds on previous research showing that community health workers can effectively help people manage chronic diseases like diabetes. The addition of digital tools and family involvement is relatively newer and shows promise. The results align with other studies suggesting that programs combining education, support, and access to exercise facilities work better than education alone. However, this is one of the first studies specifically testing this combination for low-income Latino adults, a group that has historically been underserved by diabetes programs.

Several important limitations should be considered when interpreting these results. First, only 48 of the 81 participants (59%) completed the full 12-week program and final measurements, which means we don’t know what happened to the others. Second, there was no control group—no comparison to people who didn’t get the program—so we can’t be completely sure the improvements were caused by the program rather than other factors like seasonal changes or participants’ own motivation. Third, the study relied on people self-reporting their eating and exercise habits, which can be less accurate than objective measurements. Finally, the study was conducted in just two locations in Texas, so results may not apply to other regions or populations.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, community health worker-led diabetes programs that combine personal coaching, online education, and gym access appear to be helpful for low-income Latino adults with diabetes or prediabetes. The evidence is moderate—the results are promising but not yet definitive. If you fit this description, discuss with your doctor whether a similar program might benefit you. The program seems to work best when participants actively engage in all components, including coaching sessions, online lessons, and physical activity.

This research is most relevant for low-income Latino adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who want to improve their health. It’s also important for healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers who work with this population. The findings suggest that culturally tailored programs delivered through community health workers may be more effective than generic programs. However, the results may not apply equally to other ethnic groups or people with higher incomes, as the study focused specifically on low-income Latino participants.

Based on this 12-week study, you might expect to see initial improvements in blood sugar control, weight, and stress levels within 3 months if you actively participate in the program. However, larger and longer-term studies are needed to understand how long these benefits last and whether they continue to improve beyond 12 weeks. For sustainable health changes, most experts recommend continuing healthy habits for at least 6 months to a year.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your blood sugar readings (if you have a glucose monitor), weight, and minutes of sedentary time per week. Also note your stress level on a scale of 1-10 daily. This mirrors the key improvements shown in the study and gives you concrete data to see your progress.
  • Use the app to set a goal of reducing added sugar intake by 2 teaspoons per day and increasing daily movement by 10 minutes. Start with these specific, measurable targets rather than vague goals like ’eat healthier’ or ’exercise more.’ The app can send reminders for coaching sessions and online lessons, similar to how the ¡Salud, Salud! program used digital tools.
  • Check in weekly with your progress on the app, comparing your current week to the previous week. Every 4 weeks, review your overall trends in blood sugar, weight, stress, and activity. Set new mini-goals based on what’s working. This ongoing monitoring approach helped participants in the study stay engaged with the program.

This research describes a promising diabetes management program, but it is not a substitute for medical advice. The study was small and had limitations, including a high dropout rate and lack of a comparison group. Before starting any new diabetes management program, medication changes, or significant increases in physical activity, consult with your healthcare provider. Results may vary based on individual health conditions, medications, and commitment to the program. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, work with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan.