Diabetes Awareness Month

The month of November is Diabetes Awareness Month. The TRACKS team would like to share some knowledge and resources about Diabetes and how it disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples.

"Diabetes is a disease in which your body either can't produce insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces. No matter which type you’re diagnosed with or where you are in your journey—living with diabetes isn't easy" -Diabetes Canada

While this disease effects many people in Canada, it disproportionately affects Indigenous communities.

According to Indigenous services Canada, "First Nations on reserve have a rate of diabetes three to five times higher than that of other Canadians." 

This has lead to the creation of  National  Aboriginal  Diabetes  Association. Their vision is to "lead the promotion of healthy 
environments to prevent and manage diabetes by working together with people, communities and organizations" and envision diabetes-free communities. To learn more about their large body of work and initiatives please follow the link here http://nada.ca/?page_id=287

The famous science podcast, Ologies speaks to Dr. Mike Natter about blood sugar and Diabetes. If you are wanting to learn about all things realted to diabetes, this is the resource for you. No background knowledge necessisary. This podcast episode is a two-parter. https://www.alieward.com/ologies/diabetology?rq=diabetes

Teachings in the Air, is a new Indigenous Health and Wellness podcast hosted by Elder Gerry Oldman.  They have an incredible episode on Diabetes & Safety in Ceremony. This episode is part one of three, and was made in collaboration with The National Aboriginal Diabetes Association as well as Dr. Karen Hill M.D from Mohwak Nation and Elder Treffery Deerfoot fron Siksika Nation and Blood Tribe of the Blackfoot Nation. These three breakdown was Diabetes is, how it affects our own bodies and you can incorporation Indigenous knowledge to overcome this disease. https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zb3VuZGNsb3VkLmNvbS91c2Vycy9zb3VuZGNsb3VkOnVzZXJzOjU1MTQ3MTMyNS9zb3VuZHMucnNz/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMTA0NzczMjQxNQ?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjg48n4gOvzAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQCg

Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle is a facebook page that's feels  "Indigenous people will have tools, knowledge and ability to make healthy choices and live free of diabetes, now and in future; the IDHC supports this truth". The link provided is for their facebook page, and soon their website will be operational! https://m.facebook.com/IDHCHealth/?_rdr

Lastly, we are sharing the wonderful work of Joe Pitawanakwat. Joe is a wealth of knowledge with all things medicine. He has a very informative Youtube channel and Facebook page for his organization Creator's Garden. Here we are sharing his video 3 Rules to Control Diabetes. Check this video out, as well as the many other incredible teachings he shares. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3OZ-d1gRUo