Special diabetes program for indians - diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in american indian/alaska natives (AI/an) in the phoenix area according to the U.S. Department of health and human…

Special diabetes program for indians - diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in american indian/alaska natives (AI/an) in the phoenix area according to the U.S. Department of health and human services, IHS trends in indian health, 2014 edition. The phoenix indian medical center's (PIMC) estimated diabetes prevalence is 17.2 percent, with approximately 8800 patients with diabetes seen yearly. With this significant number of patients with diabetes, IT is essential to keep improving our services in order to work with patients at risk for diabetes and those who already have a diabetes diagnosis. The PIMC diabetes center of excellence (DCOE) is housed in the ambulatory care division at PIMC. The DCOE's goal is to provide diabetes education and counseling services that is uniquely suited to AI/an populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Plans to improve delivery of diabetes education services will be accomplished through the patient centered medical home (PCMH) by working closely with our primary care medical clinic (PCMC). By building CO-located care teams, providing close referral follow-up, improving documentation, and enhancing the function of diabetes classes we plan to improve our selected best practice - diabetes-related education. In addition, plans to support intervention of high risk populations including obese/overweight adults and youth, as well as infants by increasing rates of breastfeeding will continue. Through these efforts of providing educational interventions which includes diabetes teaching and physical activity/nutrition education, we expect to ultimately be able to demonstrate a decrease in diabetes related CO-morbidities, better control of blood sugars, decreased bmis and an overall improved feelings of wellness and confidence by our patients and their families. Sdpi provides the necessary funding to continue operation of the DCOE and follow our organization's mission. We plan to work collaboratively to promote the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of our AI/an patients to the highest level possible.