American Indian youth are affected by obesity and type 2 diabetes at disproportionate rates. These chronic health issues are complex; prevention and treatment requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. Utilizing concepts and program structure from previous evidence-based diabetes prevention programs, four American Indian communities and the Center for American Indian Health developed the Together on Diabetes Program, a family-based, home-visiting diabetes prevention/management program for American Indian youth and their families.
About the Together on Diabetes Program
In 2011, the Center for American Indian Health received a grant from the Bristol Meyers Squibb Foundation to develop and implement Together on Diabetes. Between 2012 and 2015, Family Health Coaches, local paraprofessionals trained in the curriculum and program procedures, delivered Together on Diabetes to 250 youth and their families in four tribal communities.
Together on Diabetes Impacts Multiple System Levels:
Individual Impact: Providing one-on-one, home-based healthy living education and social support to youth with or at-risk of type 2 diabetes.
Family Impact: Educating caregivers of young people to create a healthy home environment through lessons delivered in the home.
Health Care Impact: Providing youth with transportation to clinic appointments and working with a care team to ensure comprehensive and consistent care.
Community Impact: Working with local organizations to provide healthy living opportunities to families.
Results
Preliminary results indicate improvements in youth knowledge, quality of life and emotional health, as well as stabilized BMI among participants in the program. Learn more.
This project has been supported by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation. Additional support was provided by the Notah Begay III Foundation.