A Preventable Epidemic: Kotter’s Eight Step Change Model Applied to Type 2 Diabetes in Youth

Authors

Jo Marie Courtney

Publication Date

February 2012

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes affecting children is a global epidemic that can be addressed by applying leadership models traditionally applied to corporate business structures. Leadership models provide the guidelines to apply to a problem and create a vision of change. Approximately 346 million individuals currently suffer from diabetes worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ofthose individuals with diabetes, 90% have type 2. Once a disease characterized by middle-aged, overweight adults, type 2 diabetes is now being diagnosed in children and adolescents. The severity oftype 2 diabetes is greater than the diagnosis portrays due to the many co-morbidities and risk factors that patients with type 2 diabetes are at risk of obtaining. Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease and can be examined from many different disciplines including, but not limited to, economic, environmental, and cultural factors. Kotter’s Eight Step Change Model displays how a leadership model can be applied to a public health issue such as diabetes in order to develop change. Once applied to Kotter’s Eight Step Change Model, the complexity of the global epidemic becomes less intimidating and more approachable and obtainable.

Recommended Citation

Courtney, Jo Marie (2012) "A Preventable Epidemic: Kotter’s Eight Step Change Model Applied to Type 2 Diabetes in Youth," Florida Public Health Review: Vol. 9, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/fphr/vol9/iss1/9