Clinical trial launched to improve diabetes management in Chinese Americans

WHAT:

A news conference will announce the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of culturally specific programs for Type 2 diabetes in Chinese Americans.

Among other criteria, participants must be first-generation Chinese at least 21 years of age and have a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.

The trial is one phase of a four-year $1 million NIH grant.  It involves academic and community agency partners committed to improve diabetes management in the Chinese American population: UCSF, University of San Francisco, Donaldina Cameron House and North East Medical Services.

WHEN:

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
11:00 a.m. – Noon

WHERE:

Donaldina Cameron House
920 Sacramento St., San Francisco

WHY:

Though Asian Americans tend to be less obese (a risk factor for diabetes), they are almost twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes than Caucasian Americans, according to the Joslin Diabetes Center. However, health research on Asian Americans has lagged behind research on other ethnic groups, reports an article in Health Education & Behavior. Special Issue: Health Disparities, 2006. 33(4):p.459-469.

INTERVIEW, PHOTO AND VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES:

·      Introduction: Kevin Chun, PhD, co-principal investigator, professor of psychology, University of San Francisco
·      Overview of study: Catherine Chesla, RN, DNSc, FAAN, principal investigator, professor of family health care nursing, UCSF School of Nursing
·      Honorable David Chiu, president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 3 supervisor
·      Yulanda Kwong, MSW, director of social services, Donaldina Cameron House
·      Daniel Chan, MD, director of quality assurance, North East Medical Services
·      Testimonials from two Chinese Americans from first study phase

MEDIA CONTACT: Karin Rush-Monroe, UCSF News Office, 415-476-2557. On the day of the event, call cell phone 415-244-5402.