Peer support. A second method for improving delivery of care is the use of peers or laypersons with the same illness. Co-Investigator Dr. Latkin has led research to establish the effectiveness of peers (themselves drug users) to assist IDUs in the prevention and treatment of HIV infection. By matching on cultural competencies and establishing trust, peers may be particularly effective in some settings. In one study, African American veterans with poorly controlled diabetes assigned to peer-support had better glucose control than those assigned financial incentives. Coinfected patients may benefit from peer support.