Lesson 1: Understanding Diabetes in Indigenous Communities

  • Introduction: Diabetes disproportionately affects Indigenous communities, with higher prevalence rates compared to non-Indigenous populations. Understanding the specific challenges faced by these communities is essential for effective education and management.

  • Deep Dive:
    • Prevalence and Impact: Review the statistics on diabetes in Indigenous communities, including prevalence rates, complications, and mortality.
    • Social Determinants of Health: Discuss the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to the high rates of diabetes in Indigenous populations, including poverty, limited access to healthcare, and food insecurity.
    • Cultural Factors: Explore how cultural beliefs and practices influence diabetes prevention and management in Indigenous communities.

  • Activity: Analyze diabetes statistics within Indigenous communities and discuss the implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. Create a report or presentation summarizing your findings.

  • Discussion Questions:
    • How does the prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities compare to that in non-Indigenous populations, and why?
    • What social determinants of health contribute to the high rates of diabetes in Indigenous communities?
    • How can understanding the cultural context of diabetes in Indigenous communities improve healthcare outcomes?
    • What strategies can be used to address the social and environmental factors that contribute to diabetes in Indigenous populations?
    • How can healthcare providers better tailor their care to meet the unique needs of Indigenous patients with diabetes?