Diabetes Health Advocacy Plan Part 2

  Introduction A major health issue that is facing 12% of American adults in the United States is type II diabetes. Diabetes impacts both the health of the American people and places a considerable economic burden on society as a whole. The evidence strongly indicates in the high-risk adult population that with lifestyle changes and some medications that developing type II diabetes can be delayed or even prevented. Through the motivation by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Patient Protection, there are several policies and system changes that have the potential to facilitate and even accelerate diabetes prevention (Konchak, Moran, O’Brien, Kandula, & Ackermann, 2017). Efforts aimed towards diabetes prevention through the ACA have influences on the individuals, healthcare team and throughout the healthcare system. Provisions of the ACA at each of these levels have the potential of preventing type II diabetes through the nation. Through examining policies for gaps and looking for the opportunity in areas for future analysis and action (Konchak et al., 2017). We need to be lobbying for resources to fund existing programs and establish new programs to assist with education and screening for diabetes to help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. When lobbying for funding and grants for programs to improve healthy behaviors we need to keep in mind that those with lower literacy levels are more likely to experience obstacles in understanding educational materials along with the importance of needed life style changes. Advocating for educators to assist with these needs will be an important issue to address also (Fitzgerald & Spaccarotella, 2009)
There are currently efforts underway nationwide to promote awareness of diabetes through many different sources such as the American Diabetes Association, health departments and the Center for Disease Control. There also needs to be a nationwide push for policy and environmental changes to promote healthier lifestyle changes and discourage unhealthy lifestyles (Konchak et al., 2017). Current efforts in Diabetes Barriers to medical care have long been an issue facing the American people, now with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 health care coverage has been extended to millions, and this will impact the fight against diabetes. With the increased number of Americans now having health care coverage, this will have a positive influence on the improvement of diabetic care. The ACA expanded health care coverage and access now more adults with risk factors for diabetes can now get the care needed to help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and reduce the complications associated with diabetes while improving their overall health (Brown & McBride, 2015).