Special diabetes program for indians with a clinical and community focus - the diabetes education and prevention program of the lawton service unit, a division within the indian health service is…

Special diabetes program for indians with a clinical and community focus - the diabetes education and prevention program of the lawton service unit, a division within the indian health service is seeking funding to continue our efforts in providing diabetes self-management, diabetes prevention, and nutrition education to our native community members that we serve. Our program is comprised of an interdisciplinary team that is focused on working together to provide the necessary tools and resources to equip our people and their families, with the knowledge and understanding of what IT means to live with diabetes and how to prevent and/or manage IT. Diabetes and prediabetes is prominent not only within our native population, but within the united states. According to the latest statistical update from the centers of disease control and prevention (CDC), a total of 37.3 million people living in the united states are living with diabetes. Out of that total, 28.7 million have been diagnosed with 8.5 million undiagnosed. In addition, a total of 96 million people have been diagnosed with prediabetes which is why our program will be focusing on preventive care practices to include nutrition education as a required key measure for 2023. In review of our 2021 and 2022 annual diabetes care and outcomes audit only a small percentage of patients received nutrition education by a registered dietitian within the lawton service unit, 23% and 28% respectively. Our program will focus on nutrition goals and treatment plans by providing medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in which the dietitian provides a thorough review of the patients eating habits, and fitness and lifestyle activity, in order to provide a personalized plan to fit each patient's nutritional goal and need. Our key target group will consist of 400 patients between the ages of 30-75 with a diagnosis of prediabetes, diabetes, and/or obesity. The lawton service unit diabetes education and prevention program has a strong community focus and outreach. A variety of settings within the communities will be utilized to maximize access to nutritional education. This includes creating and implementing healthy menu cycle options to local tribal elder care locations and food demonstrations in partnership with local food distribution centers. Employees will be able to participate in healthy wellness and nutrition breaks, and our team will continue to provide nutrition education at various seminars and events throughout the service unit. Our mission as a program and organization is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of american indians and alaska natives to the highest level. Promoting, protecting, and ensuring our community members have the tools they need to decrease the risk of developing diabetes, empower them to make healthier food choices, and provide access to our services will help improve outcomes and quality of life within our native american communities. Thank you for your consideration of this application and funding for the lawton service unit diabetes education and prevention program.