A Native American community initiative to prevent diabetes

The increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the Mohawk Community of Akwesasne led to the formation of an advisory group who's mission was to increase community awareness and strengthen the infrastructure necessary to create a community coalition to promote healthy lifestyles. The methodology used to reach these goals included: obtaining an understanding of the community's knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about diabetes, diet and exercise using semi-structured interviews and focus groups; analyzing data from a case control study of diabetes and it complications using a medical record review; exploring methods for evaluating energy expenditure in children; and identifying influential community members and organizations. In the last 50 years people had become less physically active and high fat, high caloric foods were more available. Community members were concerned about health and the well-being of their children, had knowledge about healthy lifestyles but lacked confidence and social support for bringing about desired changes. A strong association was documented between diabetes, smoking cigarettes, high blood cholesterol and vascular disease in this community. Approximately 100 persons participated, several hundred received the results in presentations to 17 community organizations, two public fora, letters to participants and articles in local newspapers. Fifty persons and 29 businesses or organizations regarded as strong advocates of healthy lifestyles were identified. From these a community coalition was formed and has initiated programs to reduce dietary fat and increase physical activity in young children.