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Diabetes Awareness and Screening Events


Diabetes Awareness Gatheringgathering

The diabetes awareness and screening gathering is a community event to share traditional food and activities, share knowledge about diabetes from healthcare professionals and community members, and provide community members an opportunity to test if they have or at risk of developing diabetes.

Objectives


  • Increase awareness about diabetes and its potential health complications;
  • Invite community members to participate in the program;
  • Build relation and trust with the community;
  • Promote traditional activities and traditional diet;
  • Bulid bridges between the community and the health care professionals in the region; and
  • Promote cooperative activities between the community and local businesses.

These gatherings are held at each of the First Nations communities where community members shared traditional food, dancing and singing. They also shared knowledge about diabetes and how to prevent and manage it, applying traditional healing and modern medicine. These events presented opportunities for local healthcare providers and local services for building bridges with the communities. Screening for diabetes was carried out by a certified healthcare professional from healthcare authorities and/or local pharmacies and healthcare workers. At the end of the awareness gathering, community members were invited to join the Circle of Diabetes Self-Management, physical activity and nutrition programs, and diabetes educational activities.

Screening

Screening is carried out by certified healthcare workers for the following: Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, A1c (if Blood Sugar level is over 11.1 mmol/L or the person has Type 2 diabetes), Weight, Height, and Waist Circumference.