Program Offers Assistance to Low-Income Diabetics

The Diabetes STEPS program at Vista Community Clinic this month is helping more than 350 North San Diego County residents monitor the disease, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. STEPS is an acronym for self-monitoring, treatment, education, physical activity and sensible eating.

The program teaches low-income individuals "to eat in moderation, drink more water and exercise," the Union-Tribune reports.

Rachel Aguirre, project coordinator for STEPS, said people with diabetes can save a large amount of money by participating in the program.

STEPS costs $775 a year and accepts several insurance plans. Medication and regular checkups from a standard health care provider can cost $4,000 to $6,000 a year, Aguirre said.

Nearly half of STEPS participants do not have health insurance (Daniels, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11/22).