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In Arizona alone, nearly 600,000 adults are living with diabetes and one in every three adults is completely unaware they have pre-diabetes, a condition in which your body does not properly respond to insulin resulting in higher-than-normal blood sugar. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage, eye problems and kidney disease.<\/p>\n
Alarmingly, the rate of patients with Type 2 diabetes in the state has doubled in the past decade. Mission of Mercy is at the front lines of this battle. More than 90% of the patients who visit a Mission of Mercy (MOM) clinic site have one or more chronic condition with the top three conditions being hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. MOM patients have a prevalence rate of diabetes of 57% \u2013 nearly six times higher than the statewide average of 10%.<\/p>\n
MOM\u2019s volunteer physicians and nurses treat patients like Martha*, a 62-year-old grandmother of eight who is the primary caregiver for her 85-year-old mother and also helps with after-school care for several of her grandchildren. When she first came to a MOM clinic, she sought treatment for a seasonal virus. She was unaware that she was living with Type 2 diabetes. Thankfully, MOM\u2019s doctors, nurses and diabetes educator were there for Martha, helping her to manage her diabetes and regain her health.<\/p>\n
Martha\u2019s story is not unlike many Mission of Mercy patients. Caring for Arizona\u2019s uninsured and underinsured populations is exactly what MOM has been doing for the past 25 years. Most patients earn too much to qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) and\/or too little to afford private insurance or costly deductibles.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur patients have very limited budgets and as a result, they put their health at the very bottom of their priority list,\u201d said MOM Medical Director Brad Smith, NMD. \u201cUnfortunately, many patients can\u2019t even afford the cheapest medications, let alone money for food, the electric bill or transportation.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Prior to the pandemic, MOM secured significant grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona\u2019s (BCBS) Mobilize AZ program as well as Dignity Health St. Joseph\u2019s Hospital and Medical Center to address this growing problem and improve the health of uninsured patients with diabetes via a pilot program. The pilot proved successful and both organizations, along with Dignity Health East Valley and Ibis Foundation of Arizona, have provided continued support for diabetes-related programming at specific clinic locations.<\/p>\n
In their January 2023 \u201cDiabetes Action Plan and Report,\u201d the Arizona Department of Health Services indicates that diabetes-related costs in Arizona amount to a staggering $6.8 billion annually, including direct medical costs as well as indirect costs (absenteeism, early disability).<\/p>\n
The diabetes management program currently operating at the North Phoenix, Maryvale, Chandler and Avondale clinics gives patients the tools they need to succeed, thereby keeping them out of emergency rooms and improving their overall quality of life. Key partners in this program, Arizona Diabetes Foundation (ADF), Esperanca, Gregory\u2019s Fresh Market and AZCEND collaborate to provide a seamless continuum of care that includes treatment and monitoring; health, nutrition and active lifestyle counseling; and access to fresh produce to improve patients\u2019 health and quality of life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are building a network of support for our patients with many needs, which gives them the knowledge and confidence to make positive lifestyle changes that will improve their health outcomes. We have the opportunity to share in both their successes and challenges,\u201d said Cecilia R. Chapman, RDN, CDE (bilingual Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator) of ADF. \u201cWe celebrate every success, no matter how small. And if numbers aren\u2019t heading in the right direction, I am able to counsel patients individually to identify needed changes. These can be as simple as cutting soda out of their diet or taking a walk once a week. And we build on their small victories every visit, so they don\u2019t feel overwhelmed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The grants provide funding to support patients with treatment and monitoring of the key indicators of diabetes, including HbA1c levels (a critical measurement for diabetic patients), along with individual and small group diabetes sessions, fresh produce distributions, lab work and prescription medications.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompliance is the key to improving one\u2019s health when faced with diabetes, and it\u2019s the hardest thing to do,\u201d Dr. Smith said. \u201cWhile prescription medications are one part of the equation, diet and exercise play an important role in a diabetic patient\u2019s treatment plan. With a Certified Diabetes Educator on our team, we are seeing patients be more accountable for their role in leading a healthier lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the goal of the diabetes program is to improve patient outcomes and, through our success, secure the funding needed to replicate it at all MOM\u2019s clinics.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re always seeking funders who have a passion for community health and are committed to making tangible improvements in the lives of the underserved,\u201d said MOM Executive Director Paula Carvalho. \u201cBlue Cross Blue Shield, Dignity Health and the Ibis Foundation of Arizona have helped provide critical care and support for our patients living with diabetes.\u201d<\/p>\n
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