Oklahoma City Indian Clinic encourages diabetes prevention and management with patient programs.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, is promoting diabetes prevention and management with a variety of patient services.
National Diabetes Awareness Month is observed every November to support diabetes awareness and prevention. According to the Indian Health Service, Native Americans have higher rates of diabetes than any other race or ethnicity.
“Diabetes prevention is possible, even when you have a pre-diabetes diagnosis,” said Janice Hixson, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer. “Losing weight, changing your diet and staying physically active are the best prevention methods.”
OKCIC’s STAR program is designed for patients with pre-diabetes to prevent diabetes. Patients meet with a lifestyle coach and a dietitian in one-on-one meetings and are taught techniques to help them meet the following goals: 7% weight loss by completion of the program and 150 minutes of physical activity every week. As of 2018, 97% of STAR participants have prevented diabetes.
For those without a pre-diabetes diagnosis, OKCIC has Get SET, which is a seasonal eight-week program for patients 12 and older. Participants earn reward points for attending nutrition events and exercising at OKCIC’s wellness center. Incentives are rewarded for reaching a set number of points during the eight-week period.
Diabetes management is important for those who do have diabetes. OKCIC’s BRAID program is a culturally appropriate program designed to help patients learn about diabetes and manage their health care.
Changing your diet can be intimidating, which is why OKCIC also posts STAR cooking class recipes at okcic.com. The recipes are low in fats and added sugars, so you can be sure you’re making a healthy choice.
“We’re glad to offer so many options for diabetes prevention and management,” Hixson said. “Our lifestyle coaches and dietitians have helped our patients make important changes that improved their overall health.”
National Diabetes Awareness Month brings awareness to diabetes prevention, but it’s important to make healthy choices every month.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 21,000 patients from over 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.