Resource Library

According to a 2020 report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), diabetes cases are still increasing in the United States; 34.2 million, or 10.5% of the
US population, has diabetes and another 88 million Americans have prediabetes.1
Prediabetes, if not treated, often results in Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes was the 7th leading
cause of death in the United States in 2015 and has been identified as a contributing factor
for other causes of deaths.2,3 In the same year, nearly 1 in 4 adults living with diabetes were
unaware of having the condition.2 Community Health Worker (CHWs) are uniquely
qualified to support individuals with diabetes; CHW interventions have demonstrated
success in improving health outcomes among individuals diagnosed with diabetes and
support at-risk individuals to prevent the development of the condition.
The purpose of this guide is to assist health centers and partners in identifying the roles of
CHWs in addressing diabetes. This guide will provide access to information that will
facilitate the identification of CHWs in their Health Centers, and their roles in addressing
diabetes self-management and prevention in their communities.