A diabetes self-management program designed for urban American Indians.
BACKGROUND
Although the American Indian population has a disproportionately high rate of type 2 diabetes, little has been written about culturally sensitive self-management programs in this population.


BACKGROUND
Community and clinic partners worked together to identify barriers to diabetes self-management and to provide activities and services as part of a holistic approach to diabetes self-management, called the Full Circle Diabetes Program.


METHODS
The program activities and services addressed 4 components of holistic health: body, spirit, mind, and emotion. Seven types of activities or services were available to help participants improve diabetes self-management; these included exercise classes, educational classes, and talking circles.


CONCLUSIONS
Ninety-eight percent of program enrollees participated in at least 1 activity, and two-thirds participated in 2 or more activities. Program participation resulted in a significant improvement in knowledge of resources for managing diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
The Full Circle Diabetes Program developed and implemented culturally relevant resources and supports for diabetes self-management in an American Indian population. Lessons learned included that a holistic approach to diabetes self-management, community participation, and stakeholder partnerships are needed for a successful program.
Castro
Sarah
S
Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA. sbetsworth@gmail.com
O'Toole
Mary
M
Brownson
Carol
C
Plessel
Kimberly
K
Schauben
Laura
L
D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*