Diabetes Awareness Month shines a light on education for all
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time when communities across Canada come together to share knowledge about prevention, screening, and ongoing management. At the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the message is clear: education is for everyone. From elders and youth to caregivers and healthcare workers, informed choices can reduce risk and improve quality of life for people living with diabetes and those at risk.
The role of FNHA in diabetes education
FNHA works with Indigenous communities to tailor information that respects culture, language, and local realities. The focus is not only on treatment, but on prevention, early detection, and support systems that families can access within their own communities. By prioritizing education, FNHA aims to close gaps in screening and ensure timely referrals to culturally safe care.
Indigenous perspectives inform practical education
Diabetes education that resonates culturally is more likely to be effective. Pronounced by elders and knowledge keepers within communities, traditional foods, physical activity, and spiritual wellbeing all play roles in prevention and management. FNHA’s approach embraces these factors, acknowledging that stories, values, and community networks are powerful tools in promoting healthier lifestyles.
Meet an Indigenous diabetes educator: Matilda Atleo
Among FNHA’s dedicated educators is Elder Matilda Atleo, an Indigenous Diabetes Educator with decades of experience supporting people in her community. Her work centers on empowering individuals with practical skills—how to monitor blood glucose, plan meals, and recognize warning signs of complications—while also honoring Indigenous knowledge about health and healing. Matilda’s patient heritages guide her to create learning environments where participants feel seen, heard, and respected.
Education that leads to real action
Diabetes education is not a one-size-fits-all program. It is a conversation that travels across clinics, community centers, homes, and schools. FNHA resources translate medical guidance into accessible formats: simple action plans, culturally relevant nutrition guidance, and decision aids that help people decide when to seek care or screening services. A key part of this work is reducing stigma and ensuring health information is available in Indigenous languages and at appropriate literacy levels.
Screening and awareness as ongoing commitments
Screening is a critical step in the fight against diabetes. Early detection allows for timely interventions that can prevent complications, protect heart and kidney health, and maintain mobility and independence. During Diabetes Awareness Month, FNHA emphasizes community-based screening events, mobile clinics, and education sessions that reach remote and underserved areas. The aim is to make screening as routine as a yearly checkup—accessible, respectful, and culturally safe.
What you can do this Diabetes Awareness Month
- Find local screening or education events through your FNHA community health office.
- Share diabetes knowledge with family and friends to promote early detection.
- Learn practical daily habits, including healthy meal planning and physical activity that honors Indigenous traditions.
- Ask healthcare providers about culturally safe options and language support.
A shared responsibility for healthier communities
Education is a bridge—connecting individuals with tools, support, and trusted guidance. For FNHA, Diabetes Awareness Month is more than a month-long campaign; it is a reminder that learning, screening, and awareness must be woven into daily life. By centering Indigenous educators like Matilda Atleo and grounding messages in community strength, FNHA is helping to create a future where diabetes is understood, managed, and prevented with dignity and respect.
