Little Earth Strong: A Community-Level, Culturally Appropriate Diabetes Prevention Pilot Targeting Urban American Indians

What Is the Purpose of This Study/Review?

• • The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if a culturally appropriate diabetes intervention developed in partnership with an Indigenous urban community was feasible.

• • To determine if community driven, culturally specific approach could potentially be effective in lowering diabetes risks.

• • To determine if a community targeted diabetes intervention would be effective.

What Is the Problem?

• • American Indians suffer from the highest diabetes type II disparities than any other group in the United States.

• • Present diabetes interventions have been less effective than hoped.

What Are the Findings?

• • A culturally specific and community level intervention was developed and found feasible.

• • Biometric data indicated that a significant reduction in A1C values.

• • Health intervention shows promise if grounded in culture, flexible, and situated within the community.

• • Decolonization and community control are key to long-term sustainability and success.

Who Should Care Most?

• • Healthcare providers.

• • Diabetes educators.

• • Community program leaders.

• • Indigenous communities.

• • Teachers.

• • Urban housing project leaders.

Recommendations for Action

• • Consult and collaborate with Indigenous, and other urban community leaders, to determine the most culturally appropriate and feasible health interventions.

• • Communities must be in control of identifying their health concern and leading policy and establishing communal norms for healthy eating and exercise.

• • Children may be most able to maintain healthy behaviors and engagement if the family suffers from high stress.

• • Exercise and food perceptions are potentially more effective if culturally grounded and specific.

• • Those who attend more frequently, tend to lower their diabetes risks more rapidly. Thus, offering a variety of culturally specific exercise and food options may be the best strategy.