Diabetes information gathered from Métis population

The BRAID research initiative in partnership with the University of Alberta has been instrumental in providing a Mobile Diabetes Screening Initiative to Aboriginal people living off-reserve, in Métis communities and to remote communities throughout Alberta.

“MDSi is a travelling health care service that provides diabetes testing, education and the necessary research for Aboriginal communities,” said Tracy Connor, MDSi research project coordinator. “This research allows for the collection of necessary data, important to providing information about diabetes and cardiovascular risk.”

Prior to 2003, funding was provided federally to perform diabetes screening on First Nations reserve communities.

“This was a necessary service, but Métis communities, settlements and off-reserve rural Aboriginal people were being excluded,” said Connor.

To rectify the situation, Dr. Ellen Toth, a diabetes specialist who works with Aboriginal communities and organizations, partnered with the University of Alberta to bring MDSi to Aboriginal people, who were not able to access diabetes and cardiovascular testing.
The MDSi project is funded by Alberta Health and Wellness and is run by a research team.

The mobile field team visits the Métis settlements or remote communities and screens individuals to see if they have diabetes, or if they are at risk of getting diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
The MDSi research helps communities decide what health programs need to be implemented locally and assists the government in making policy decisions.

The MDSi team also offers counselling to individuals about making healthy lifestyle choices with the goal of reducing risk of developing diabetes. The MDSi team also offers explanations on the results of the tests and refers individuals for medical attention if their results show problems.

For people that have diabetes, the MDSi offers testing to check their blood sugar levels and for signs of diabetes complications, such as kidney or eye problems.

“The MDSi project works with Aboriginal communities to provide holistic methods of testing that reflect Aboriginal values and understanding of health. Elders and community leaders are consulted and the information is readily accessible to the community,” Connor said.

An important and necessary part of the research is the data collection. Little research has been done on Métis people and diabetes, with MDSi collecting the first clinical data on Alberta’s Métis population.

“Census has done a little research, but has not offered specific data. The Métis Nation of Alberta has done some research through their own census and Alberta Health had a little research, but this is the first outreach and specific data collection in the province,” said Connor.

The Métis settlements have established a Métis Settlements Health Board that addresses the issues of diabetes, utilizes the research and consults the MDSi about screening. The board also ensures that holistic Aboriginal practices provide cultural safety to the individuals being tested.

This research is helpful in providing information and awareness on prevention.  Prevention has become a large part of the education provided to Métis and Aboriginal people living in rural or isolated communities.

The project is reaching its 10th year and will be evaluated by Alberta Health to determine which direction to go.