MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES-MELLITUS IN NOVA-SCOTIA MICMAC COMMUNITIES

The Nova Scotia Native Diabetes Study was conducted by Indian Health S ervices, Health and Welfare Canada to investigate the impact and manag ement of diabetes mellitus among Native persons in Nova Scotia in orde r to develop diabetes specific health promotion recommendations for us e by health care providers. A questionnaire was designed to obtain inf ormation from all persons previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Two hundred and thirty-two MicMac people living on 13 reserves in Nov a Scotia participated in the survey. The age-adjusted prevalence rate for diabetes mellitus in persons over the age of 40 years was 25%. Res ponses indicate that 60% of the MicMac people do not worry about their diabetes and 46% do not know any risk factors associated with their d iabetes. Despite the fact that most of the Native people interviewed k now about the local diabetes eduction centres, many are unwilling to a ttend due to discomfort regarding the eduction methods used, lack of c ulturally relevant approaches and resources. and time required for tra vel. A high number of respondents report an interest in learning more general information about diabetes and diet management. The findings e mphasize the need for more community based education and support for d iabetes care in Native communities in Nova Scotia. All health care pro viders must be aware of the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus among Native people and the need for culturally appropriate intervention.