Diabetes sufferers need ongoing treatment

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Although diabetes has become an epidemic among the Aboriginal population, concerns are escalating that sufferers may not be receiving proper education and treatment to manage the disease.

Saskatoon's First Step Program, which specializes in meeting needs of diabetics and other chronic illness sufferers, has an extremely low percentage of Aboriginal people. Organizers say they are working to develop new and innovative ways to get more Native people involved.

"Maybe one or two per cent are Aboriginal. There isn't a lot, and we need to see more, because diabetes is growing rapidly, especially in Aboriginal communities," said program co-ordinator Elaine Tyerman.

She attributes the low participation to limited accessibility.

"One of the biggest factors is the east side location. Because most of the Aboriginal people live on the west side of the city, it becomes very difficult and time consuming for many to travel there."

Tyerman said it's essential for people with chronic diseases to work with professionals to manage their conditions.

She said the city and health districts are currently discussing ways to expand the program to meet needs of the Aboriginal community.

"We have the ideas, but they won't fly without Aboriginal involvement. To impose these ideas on them without their input wouldn't be successful. It has to be a partnership."

She said a new location would be ideal, but operation and outfitting costs are major factors in discussions.

"It would be impossible to transfer emergency equipment back and forth on a regular basis. We would have to set it up again at another location."

As well, treatment would have to be delivered in a culturally appropriate manner, said Tyerman.

"It is very important that we incorporate cultural needs, wishes and lifestyles. In order for this to work, we have to work in co-operation with the Aboriginal people. They have to be key players in both the development and continued operations of such a program," she said.

Tyerman said because the program is still relatively new, the expansion notion is still in discussion, but she's optimistic funding will continue.

The program recently received top honors at the Canadian Diabetes Association's national annual general meeting, held in Winnipeg. It was the only program recognized at the national level this year.

Being the only one of its kind in Canada and supported by the Canadian Diabetes Association, the program was chosen for a national award because of the devotion of its founding members and highly trained staff.

"This service is new, innovative and very popular. It fills a long-standing need that has been often discussed but rarely implemented," stated the program's medical director Dr. M. Boctor.

The program plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and other chronic diseases, said Tyerman.

"Through ongoing staff and group support, the First Step Program provides an important link between community resources and the health district to improve diabetes management. Participants are encouraged to sign up with a support person who sees the program through to completion process. Participants also have the option of continuing with the program upon graduation for as long as they like."