South Asian Diabetes Awareness (SADA) Program For Consumers
South Asians in the US
They are the fastest-growing ethnic population in the U.S. and include people with roots in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. South Asians are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, often at younger ages and lower body weights than other populations. This increased risk is due to a combination of genetic factors and cultural habits, such as adherence to traditional diets that are high in refined carbohydrates (carbs) and fats; low physical activity; and aversion to western medicine, combined with reliance on alternative medicine, often practiced without expert supervision.
A culturally tailored approach to manage diabetes
Standard of care diabetes education programs available in the U.S. often fail to serve South Asian communities due to barriers such as language differences, low health literacy, food and lifestyle preferences, and cultural misconceptions about diabetes.
The South Asian Diabetes Awareness (SADA) Program addresses these challenges and offers a set of six lessons that respect cultural traditions and family roles. Designed for people following the South Asian diet and lifestyle, these lessons were developed and iteratively refined over four years with cultural insights and input from South Asian Peer Leaders (SAPLs) and participants who piloted these lessons.
A Sneak Peek
Information available from this program is meaningful to South Asians in the US, living with diabetes, and can help them take realistic action in managing their health. Through familiar examples, case studies, and reflections about lived experiences, the lessons cover the basics of diabetes, discuss aspects of South Asian nutrition, physical activity, medication, stress management, and provide suggestions for preventing complications. Browse through some of the videos that were developed as part of this program on this page.
The program is being tested by educators in the upcoming year. If you wish to participate in testing this program, please complete the Program Interest Survey and we will reach out to connect you with a cohort.
This work was funded through grant award numbers: DCHS19HDP030, DCHS20HDP017, OMMH21HDP01 by the Department of Minority and Multicultural Health, New Jersey Department of Health.