In some Native American communities, diabetes is so common that people grow up feeling that it is in some ways, inevitable. "I don't have diabetes yet," is what Dr. Warne often hears from his patients. Yet hope for the future is an important factor in preventing and controlling diabetes - something health care practitioners need to take into account when treating patients.
This innovative drama portrays the challenges faced by a Navajo family in dealing with diabetes. The program incorporates the Navajo language and culture into this outreach tool. This video is 60 minutes long.
(This video requires the use of the RealPlayer, which can be downloaded from RealPlayer's Web site at no charge.)
This story tells of a woman who has a family history of diabetes and how she is learning to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Video plays for 4 minutes 44 seconds.
Renowned Hollywood actor and Cherokee tribal member, Wes Studi, explains how American Indians and Alaska Natives are twice as likely to have diagnosed diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. Studi underscores the wisdom of cultural knowledge, including gathering and planting local traditional foods and playing traditional games, to promote health and prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes [9:02 minutes]
A conversation between the Nimiipuu health clinic's exercise and health program instructor and a woman that has struggled with diabetes for more than twenty years.
(This video requires the use of the RealPlayer, which can be downloaded from RealPlayer's Web site at no charge.)
Donna's family has a history of diabetes and she decides to make lifestyle changes to help prevent it.
Reducing Diabetes Disparities in American Indian Communities (Wind River Reservation, Wyoming) (Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes, University of Michigan)
This video provides narratives of users and workers involved a diabetes education program.
For Researchers, Health Professionals, & Educators
The Diabetes Education in Tribal Schools program provides curriculumn research and evaluation resources. The "Health Is Life in Balance" curriculum has been designed to increase American Indian and Alaska Native students understanding of health, diabetes, and maintaining life in balance; to increase their understanding and application of scientific and community knowledge; and to increase interest in science and health professions among American Indian and Alaska Native youth.
This article presents guidelines for preventive efforts, early diagnosis, and collaborative care of the patient and family within the context of a medical home.
The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) is a $150 million per year grant program that is funded through Congressional legislation and administered b ythe Indian Health Service (IHS) Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention (DDTP).
The mission of the Native Diabetes Wellness Program is to work with a growing circle of partners to address the health inequities so starkly revealed by diabetes in Indian Country. With social justice and respect for Native and Western science as grounding principles, we strive to support community efforts to promote health and prevent diabetes.
