Project Abstract Summary
The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa (Tribe) has been providing both clinical and community-based diabetes services and prevention since 1998. The Tribe has been providing clinical-based treatment for diabetes for well over 30 years through their ambulatory Meskwaki Tribal Health Center (MTHC). Prior to COVID-19, 259 patients were diagnosed with diabetes in calendar year 2019. The number of patients with diabetes increased from 266 in calendar year 2020 to 278 in calendar year 2021.
Using each child's height and weight, the Meskwaki Diabetes Program has used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Child BMI Calculator to determine the BMI percentiles. Based on the School Screening Data, 60% of the students in grades K-12 have overweight or obesity (BMI Percentile >= 85). Due to COVID-19, the percent of students who had a "BMI very far from the healthy weight range" significantly increased (p=0.0001) from 2019 to 2021. With the attached school screening data from 2015 to 2021, this increase is noted.
The MTHC is located on the Meskwaki Indian Settlement in Tama County Iowa. Locally, there are 2 commercial grocery stores within a 10 minute drive. There is a community farmer's market in the same town as the grocery stores every Friday in the summer months. Red Earth Gardens is a Tribal entity that is responsible for local food sovereignty, food distribution programs, assisting community members with growing their own gardens, and technical assistance for local food resources.
The Best Practice Diabetes-Related Education was selected to provide a more comprehensive education program including physical activity, nutrition and other diabetes education. Diabetes-Related Education, Nutrition Education, Physical Activity Education, Oral Health and Foot Exam/Foot Care Education are the primary activities for this Best Practice. In addition to the Best Practice, other activities include: school screening, National Diabetes Prevention Program and Wellness Center.