Diabetes

NWAC is concerned about the trends related to this disease and the ever increasing rates among Aboriginal women, in spite of the many initiatives that have been put in place over the years. Clearly, the current approaches are not working. To learn why diabetes prevention activities are not reaching and/or having an impact within the Aboriginal female population, NWAC  convened a national diabetes advisory group composed of members from NWAC’s Provincial Territorial Member Associations, Aboriginal diabetes experts, and other health care professionals and stakeholders. With guidance from this advisory group, NWAC developed an Action Plan designed specifically for Aboriginal women. 

The Program

NWAC collaborates on the development of innovative approaches to reducing the prevalence of diabetes with support from Health Canada’s the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI). Funding through the ADI is intended to cover care and treatment costs and to support prevention and health promotion activities. Diabetes rates are dramatically higher among Aboriginal people compared to the general population, but more disturbing are the trends related to type 2 diabetes. Once virtually unheard of in anyone under the age of 45, it has begun to surface among young children in many of our communities.

The Opportunity

Since attaining capacity support through the ADI, NWAC has conducted a series of research and surveillance activities. Over 1200 Aboriginal women contributed to the development of a series of recommendations to reduce the prevalence of diabetes among the Aboriginal population. An overview of Aboriginal specific literature was initiated that led to a more extensive literature review completed in 2007-2008. This work, along with the diabetes advisory group contributions led to the design and development of an Action Plan and Model titled “Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in Aboriginal Women”. This Action Plan was further enhanced last year with the goal to ensure the information gathered is packaged and delivered in such a way that it is easily understood at a grass roots level. To this effect, NWAC is working with Aboriginal women to develop gender specific, culturally relevant, easy to understand tools and resources, to be assembled into a diabetes toolkit for Aboriginal women to use in their homes and communities.

Links

National Aboriginal Diabetes Association

Ontario

Ontario Native Women’s Association – Aboriginal Diabetes Awareness 
Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (SOADI)
Northern Ontario Diabetes Health Network

Alberta

Alberta Health Services – Aboriginal Diabetes Program

BC

Quesnel Aboriginal Diabetes Prevention and Awareness Program. Quesnel Tillicum Society Native Friendship Centre
National Diabetes Education Program