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November 13, 2009

<font color=green>P.M. UPDATE: </font>November declared Diabetes Awareness Month

TAHLEQUAH — November has been declared as Diabetes Awareness Month in the Cherokee Nation by Principal Chief Chad Smith, who recently signed a proclamation declaring the event.

“A part of our overall mission is to help our citizens be healthy and happy,” Smith said. “Diabetes is a disease that affects not just and individual but the family unit, and Native Americans are at high risk for the development of the disease.”

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to convert sugars, starches and other food into energy. It is estimated that more than 23 million Americans are affected by the disease, and nearly 6 million people are not aware they have it. In the Cherokee Nation, there are nearly 5,000 patients in the tribe’s Diabetes Registry.

The Cherokee Nation spends an average of $6.5 million annually in the diabetes program which offers a team approach to patient care, including intensive case and care management, podiatry services, primary prevention activities and self-management classes.

Information: 453-5776.

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