Partnership

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Diabetes is not only a medical problem. It is a socio-economic challenge to the community. A successful diabetes prevention and management program must integrate all aspects that affect the person with diabetes, from motivation to social support with constant monitoring by the health care professionals. It is not only the responsibility of health authorities; it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, from families, community leaders, educational authorities, sports and healthy living groups and industries. Empowerment of patients through culturally appropriate education, supporting the communities through establishing an infrastructure of trained healthcare providers and healthcare system, and developing long-term strategies are the key components to the comprehensive diabetes prevention and management program.

Acknowledgement

Diabetes and My Nation team would like acknowledge the First Nation and Inuit Health Branch for funding the pilot project of this model, and the Vancouver Coastal, Interior, Vancouver Island, and North Health Authorities, and the BC Ministry of Sports and Healthy Living and ActNow BC for their support. Also Merck Frosst Canada, GSK, LifeScan, and Shopper Drug Mart were among the supporter of the initial stages of the program. Siemens Canada donated 4 DCA 2000 analyzers to the communities. Special thanks to the Sliammon First Nation; and the Haisla First Nation and Haisla people, and their Chief and Council and the Health Department, Social Department and School; and all other First Nations in BC and members of the community, and volunteers who have participated in the pilot project of Diabetes and My Nation.