Indian Health Center – Diabetes Prevention Program
May 18, 2010
Nationally, diabetes disproportionately affects American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Recognizing this trend, in 2004 the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley (IHC) implemented a Diabetes Prevention Program , using primarily IHS funding, to make available the tools and resources necessary to prevent and overcome diabetes. A team of health professionals, including fitness instructors, social worker,  a patient advocate, dietitican, nurse, health educator, counselor, and many others, provide group and one-on-one assistance to implement lifestyles changes and effect new habits. According to Jan Chacon, IHC’s Diabetes Prevention Program Manager, each participant sets a goal to change their eating habits in order to lose 7% of their body weight and increase their exercise to a mininmum of 150 miniutes per week. AI/AN community members involved in the program learn how to watch portion sizes and choose healthier foods, gain access to the IHC gym and fitness trainers, and participate in cultural activity and competency in order to become part of a social network of people who want them to succeed.
IHC’s Diabetes Prevention Program, grounded in American Indian healing traditions, incorporates traditional aspects of mind, body, heart, and spirit such as native crafts, storytelling, drumming, dancing, and ceremony, as well as proven lifestyle change concepts to empower patients to actively participate in their own self-care. The IHC’s Diabetes Prevention Program was the first recipient of the ADA’s “Voices for Change” award for program innovation and was also awarded the National Indian Health Board’s “Local Impact” award in 2009. The hardworking staff in the IHC‘s Diabetes Prevention Program have enabled people to lower glucose and blood pressure levels, reverse pre-diabetes, lose weight (some participants have already lost 70 pounds), and learn healthy habits to bring home to their families and communities. |
Useful Links: “Making the Grade” Article about ADA’s Voices for Change Award
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