Special diabetes program for indians - the pueblo of pojoaque is located within the pojoaque valley just 20 miles north of the new mexico state capital in santa FE

The tribe is a small tribe of less than 600 members. The pueblo administers various social programs which are funded with both tribal and governmental funds. Of these programs the tribes department of community health manages a special diabetes for indians program (sdpi). This program is considered a community based program and coordinates medical services with medical entities for its members. The diabetes prevalence within the tribe is just below the national average among native communities of 17 percent. The tribes diabetes prevalence is between 15 to 16 percent. This means that approximately 15-16 percent of the members of the tribe have been diagnosed with diabetes. With the resources available the sdpi program helps its community in various ways to be aware of the signs and affects of diabetes and how to prevent the disease. In addition, for those who are diagnosed with the disease the sdpi helps them manage their condition. In some cases for those with type 1 diabetes, through a change in life style, diet and exercise are able to cure themselves of the disease. The continuance of the federal funding for this program by the U.S. Department of health and human services via the indian health service will afford the pojoaque sdpi program with the resources to continue helping its members in battling this dreadful disease. These monies will be used to continue education classes in diabetes awareness, nutrition, diet and exercise. In addition, funds are used to ensure that our members have access to needed medical exams that detect the adverse affects of the disease.