What is the SDPI Diabetes Prevention Program?

Diabetes is a serious problem for American Indians and Alaska Natives, who suffer from some of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. Congress funded the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) in 1998 to establish new programs to prevent and treat diabetes in Indian communities. Research has shown that it is possible to prevent diabetes through simple lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, eating healthy food, and losing some weight. We are looking for volunteers to participate in this project and help see how diabetes prevention activities can be started in Indian communities.

Who can join the program?

We are looking for people age 18 and older who have a medical condition called "pre-diabetes." People with pre-diabetes have high blood glucose (sugar) levels but these levels are not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at risk to develop diabetes over time and can reduce their risk through healthy lifestyle changes. If you have pre-diabetes and you join the program, you will participate in classes to teach you about how to eat healthier food, to increase your physical activity and to lose some weight.

Could I have pre-diabetes?

Most people do not know if they have pre-diabetes. You could have pre-diabetes if:

• Someone in your family has diabetes
• You weigh more than you should
• You had diabetes when you were pregnant (called "gestational diabetes")
• You had a baby weighing over 9 pounds at birth
• A doctor or nurse has said to you that you have a "touch of sugar’ or "pre-diabetes"

How can I join the program?

If you would like to volunteer to be a part of this program, we will first test you to see if you have pre-diabetes. You will be tested for pre-diabetes, and if the tests show that you have pre-diabetes, you will be referred for further medical care and will be invited to participate in this project.

Why should I join the SDPI Diabetes Prevention Program?

The SDPI Diabetes Prevention Program can help you in several ways:

• We will watch your health closely
• Diabetes or other problems can be found at the earliest possible date
• You will get free checkups and other medical tests
• You will take classes on eating healthy, increasing physical activity and losing weight
• If you have pre-diabetes, you may be able to delay or avoid getting diabetes by participating in this program
• You will help us learn if we can prevent diabetes in multiple Indian communities
• There will be no cost to you

Taking part in this program is voluntary. If you decide to join the project, you should be willing to stay in the program for up to 3 years.

Where do I go for more information?
Please contact Debbie Murphy at 918-453-5737 or email debbie-murphy@cherokee.org.