CDER Project

Corozal Diabetes Education and Resource (CDER) pilot project stems from the various reports and statistics that brings to light the impact this disease has on the Belize population and the detrimental effects placed on those living with this disease.

This pilot project is designed to test the impact of a program in which various disciplines working together implementing education (prevention), diagnosis (treatment), and maintenance (support) at a community base level, can bring diabetes mellitus (sugar) awareness to the forefront of a community.

This pilot project is to be implemented exclusively for the Corozal District and it is a community-based program that incorporates various disciplines of the community.

The pilot study is two-fold, the Community Based Study focuses on promoting awareness and prevention for a full year to the population (diabetics and non-diabetics) of the Corozal District.

The initial focus of the education campaign is derived from a random sample pre-questionnaire that functions as a guide to ascertain what the population knows about this disease. This is followed by a yearlong educational campaign in which the town, all villages and settlements of the Corozal District, will experience a monthly influx of education activities and material to bring awareness, prevention, education and support to its community through assistance of the Belize Diabetes Association (BDA) Corozal Branch, community networking, sponsorship and volunteering. Incorporated are events such as health community events, screening, outreach fairs and community participation. At the end of the year a post questionnaire will follow.

The second part is the Newly Diagnosed Study which focuses on medical assistance collaborating with the district healthcare forum in which we will assist a maximum of 10 newly diagnosed pre-diabetic or diabetics per month for the next year.

The health care forum consists of the Corozal Community Hospital and all private licensed practicing physicians in the Corozal District whereby patients are seen. The patient assigned is newly diagnosed as pre-diabetic or diabetic and is referred to the pilot program by their physicians.

In order to qualify for this medical assistance program, they must attend three sessions of two-hours, once a week educational classes must be completed sequentially, classes 1 and 2 before 3, within 6 weeks to qualify.

Once in the program, the patient is followed by their physician but also supplemented with a year's support and assistance in treatment, supplies, medication, education, follow up lab work, and maintenance by the CDER project. This portion of the CDER project is implemented after 6 months into the community base study. This stage of implementation is to allow for a smooth transition.

The purpose of the pilot is to determine the influence of an educational campaign on the belief and attitudes of a community when it comes to diabetes and whether this results in a better understanding, increased compliance and maintenance of those living with this disease.