Grant: Project Grant

Health, social and economic factors substantially impact the prevention, treatment and management of diabetes. Poverty, depression, genetic risk, structural violence, a lack of local access to healthcare services and expertise, and poor patient tracking, are specific examples known to result in poorer patient health outcomes. For Indigenous Peoples in Canada, these factors are compounded by a healthcare system that is rooted in colonial policies and practices, is seen as culturally unaware and unsafe, and is often misaligned with patient and community needs and health practices. As a result, Indigenous people have up to three times the risk of developing diabetes as compared to the general population, and also suffer disproportionately from its complications (e.g.: blindness, kidney disease, heart attack and stroke, lower limb amputation). An evidence-based solution that can address these factors and improve the health outcomes and resilience of Indigenous patients with diabetes is urgently needed. This is the focus of the Prevent and Treat Diabetes for Healthy Living in Indigenous Communities of Alberta (Prev-Treat) program. Prev-Treat will: 1) continue to work with community leaders and patients in program implementation and delivery to make care locally relevant; 2) train local Indigenous people as coaches to support patients in their own communities-building local healthcare capacity; 3) support community primary care providers and coaches by providing responsive access to healthcare experts and specialists; and, 4) facilitate the development of, and make, evidence-based, equitable and culturally sound recommendations to healthcare policy and decision-makers in the healthcare system. Our vision is to work with the Indigenous communities to effect a change change on how diabetes and chronic disease are managed in those settings, and help communities and patients improve diabetes outcomes to the benefit of their health, social and economic well-being.