Type II diabetes is a progressive and chronic illness largely caused by obesity and lack of exercise. If not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to debilitating complications and premature mortality. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention estimated that nearly 24 million adults in the United States had type II diabetes. The number of diabetics in the US tripled between 1980 and 2007. Following current trends, those born in 2000 have a lifetime risk of 1 in 3 of developing diabetes mellitus. In 2007, the total cost of diabetes in the United States was estimated to be $174 billion, with the average diabetic spending 2.3 times more on medical expenses than their non-diabetic peers. Increased adherence of Type II, Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic clients at a local medical clinic within an urban city continues to be a problem. Ineffective communication has been identified as a barrier to effective treatment of diabetes. The aim of the project was to assess the impact of improved patient-clinician communication through an educational program to reinforce the practitioner’s awareness of the American Diabetic Associations’ clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of type II, diabetes.
