The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) at American Indian Health & Services (AIHS) is an initiative to improve health outcomes for American Indian & Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients with diabetes mellitus. To achieve this goal, AIHS will provide clinical and non-clinical services to members of our AI/AN community with diabetes. Clinical services include medical screenings, examinations, health education, immunizations, laboratory services, and the prescription of medications. Additionally, AIHS has selected Nutrition Education as the organization's best practice. Meaning, AIHS will focus on providing nutrition education and nutrition-based services to SDPI patients. To support the best practice, AIHS will provide non-clinical activities that focus on improving health behaviors. First, the program will host nutrition classes and offer diet support. Second, the program will host physical activities to encourage increased movement and social connection. Third, AIHS will offer culturally themed classes to promote communal wellbeing, while simultaneously advocating for clinic-based services. Finally, AIHS will provide supplies to patients that support diabetes self-management. For example, devices that help patients monitor their blood pressure or blood sugar.
