A new path to diabetes education: Uniting traditional educational approaches with modern educational approaches in Indian country

A New Path to Diabetes Education: Uniting Traditional Educational Approaches with Modern Educational Approaches in Indian Country

There is a high rate of diabetes in the Gila River Indian Community and a need to provide diabetes education. A community survey conducted in Gila River Indian Community showed that many of the members felt that they had not seen diabetes education in the Community over the past ten years. Proper diabetes education can make an impact on the health of the community. The Gila River Indian Community Health Resource Department reassessed their approach to diabetes education. The department utilized feedback from the community survey, reviewed traditional health educational approaches, and reviewed modern approaches to health education. The result is a comprehensive approach to providing diabetes education to an entire community, utilizing media outlets, modern technology, community outreach, traditional education, and social marketing. The Gila River Indian Community council and members are affirming that the education is being received. Combining traditional approaches, modern approaches, and continual community feedback ensures that diabetes education saturates entire community.