Experience in T2DM Prevention with Deaf People in Mendoza: 'SEÑAS que enseñan, a vivir mejor Project

Abstract

Deaf people constitute a linguistic minority facing severe communication barriers within the Argentine healthcare system, resulting in exclusion and lack of access to the prevention and control of NCDs such as T2DM. Prevention relies on education as a strategy, and without effective communication, there is no education. To address this issue in Mendoza, the interdisciplinary and intersectoral project "SEÑAS que enseñan, a vivir mejor" was designed and implemented.

Objectives: to implement and consolidate a structured therapeutic education program and a comprehensive, bilingual clinical care space in Argentine Sign Language (LSA) for the prevention and control of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and other cardiovascular risk factors in deaf adults.

Methods: the project unfolded in three successive stages (2022-2026). Stage 1 (pilot, N=20) evaluated risk (FindRisk), knowledge, and habits through a tailored educational program using visual resources. Stage 2 (N=69) offered monthly medical, nutritional, and psychological care with LSA interpreters at the Deaf Association of Mendoza. Stage 3 consolidated a biweekly bilingual office in Primary Health Care (Health Center No. 30, Godoy Cruz) through an agreement with the provincial Ministry of Health, training the medical staff and launching appointments via WhatsApp.

Results: in the pilot phase, 67% presented a very high risk of T2DM and 97% had an initial unsatisfactory level of knowledge; post-intervention, 90% achieved a highly satisfactory level. During the clinical phase, 26 cases of hypertension, 19 of T2DM, 24 of obesity/overweight, and 7 of prediabetes were detected, achieving 100% adherence to medication and satisfaction. Stage 3 successfully integrated family medicine residents, a nutritionist, an LSA interpreter, administrative staff, and nurses, accumulating 240 consultations up to July 2026, with data analysis still ongoing.

Conclusions: linguistic adaptation of health programs in LSA is essential to visualize and include the deaf community. Transitioning from a pilot model to an institutionalized public action in primary care demonstrates that the health gap can be bridged, ensuring the right to health and transforming the epidemiological reality of NCDs in linguistic minorities.