South Asian Diabetes Awareness (SADA)
Curriculum for Educators
South Asians in the US are the fastest-growing ethnic population in the U.S. (Pew Research Center, 2011). They include people with roots in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. They 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.
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 lessons that respect cultural traditions, family roles, and dietary practices. 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. Information available from this program is meaningful to members of this community and can help them take realistic action in managing their health.
It provides tools and strategies for managing diabetes, especially designed for people following a South Asian lifestyle. Each lesson in this six-lesson series includes a PowerPoint presentation, speaker notes, handouts, post/pre-evaluations, and topic-related resources. 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. The effectiveness of these lessons is ready to be tested.
This work was funded through grant award numbers: DCHS19HDP030, DCHS20HDP017, OMMH21HDP01 by the Department of Minority and Multicultural Health, New Jersey Department of Health.
This lesson introduces type 2 diabetes, with a specific focus on its unique impact on South Asians in the U.S. Participants will learn about the rise and fall of blood glucose, insulin, and how diabetes develops. The lesson also introduces why diabetes is more prevalent in South Asian population, and how their cultural background influences health behaviors.
The lesson also introduces participants to some tools for self-management – e.g., Journaling, Action Planning, and Problem Solving
This lesson explores the basic nutrients in everyday foods—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber—and how they impact blood sugar. Participants will learn how to make healthier food choices, read food labels, and plan balanced meals using familiar South Asian ingredients.
The lesson focuses on identifying proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, fiber, and minerals in the foods that we eat.
The lesson also includes a case study about changes in dietary patterns during festivals and special occasions.
This lesson teaches practical tools for meal planning, such as reading nutrition labels, using the Plate Method, and counting carbohydrates. Participants will also practice building balanced meals and snacks using South Asian foods and will create realistic action plans to improve their daily eating habits.
This lesson includes a Thhali (Indian meal plate) planning activity.
This lesson focuses on self-care (including physical activity or exercise, sleep, and stress management) and how these lifestyle factors impact diabetes. Participants will learn how to incorporate movement in culturally familiar ways—such as dance, yoga, and walking groups—and explore strategies for managing stress through techniques like meditation and community support.
The lesson also includes a case study about making time for self-care in our busy life.
This lesson introduces the long-term complications of poorly controlled diabetes, such as kidney disease, heart disease, and nerve damage. Participants will learn the importance of routine medical care and self-monitoring, and how to recognize symptoms early to prevent complications.
This lesson includes short stories about lived experiences of individuals and how they have overcome physical, emotional, and social challenges resulting from diabetes.
This final lesson explains how diabetes is treated and monitored over time. Participants will learn about the role of medications (including insulin), how and when to check blood sugar, and how to work with healthcare providers to stay on track with their treatment plans.