Diabetes Awareness Month 2025: Education for Everyone
Each November, Diabetes Awareness Month shines a light on the importance of education, screening, and ongoing support to prevent and manage diabetes. This year, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) invites communities to learn from each other and recognize that education is for everyone—across ages, cultures, and regions. Through patient stories, community programs, and practical resources, FNHA emphasizes that knowledge is a powerful tool in reducing the impact of diabetes on Indigenous communities.
A Focus on Education and Screening
Education is the first line of defense against diabetes-related complications. Understanding blood sugar basics, risk factors, and lifestyle strategies helps individuals spot early warning signs and seek timely care. FNHA’s outreach emphasizes culturally safe education that respects Indigenous knowledge, language, and traditions. Regular screening, including A1C tests and fasting glucose checks, is promoted as a simple yet crucial step toward prevention and early intervention.
Meet Elder Matilda Atleo: An Indigenous Diabetes Educator
Elder Matilda Atleo is a dedicated Indigenous Diabetes Educator with FNHA. Originally from her mother’s community, she brings a lived understanding of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous families in navigating diabetes care. Her work centers on empowering people with information they can trust and apply in daily life—from portion control and physical activity to managing medications and recognizing warning signs of complications.
“Education is not a one‑size‑fits‑all approach,” Elder Atleo often says. “When information reflects our communities, it becomes something you can use, not something you fear.” Her message resonates across clinics, schools, and community centers, where patients learn in ways that honor Indigenous languages and storytelling traditions.
Practical Education in Action
FNHA’s diabetes education programs include culturally tailored materials, community workshops, and peer support groups. These resources aim to demystify diabetes management, offering simple steps like reading nutrition labels, balancing meals with traditional foods, and incorporating gentle physical activity into daily routines. For individuals at higher risk, education is paired with accessible screening events, where trusted community members guide participants through the process and connect them with follow‑up care.
Why Awareness Matters
Diabetes affects Indigenous communities at disproportionately high rates, influenced by historical, social, and economic factors. Raising awareness goes beyond statistics; it centers on empowerment—giving people the confidence to seek information, ask questions, and participate actively in their health journey. By fostering conversations at home, in schools, and at clinics, Diabetes Awareness Month helps break down stigma and promote proactive care.
Community Voices and Shared Success
Stories from the community illustrate the impact of education and screening. When people understand their risk and recognize early symptoms, they are more likely to pursue testing and adopt sustainable health habits. FNHA highlights these success stories to inspire others, showing that education can lead to meaningful changes in blood sugar control, weight management, and overall quality of life.
Resources for Everyone
Whether you are living with diabetes, at risk, or supporting a loved one, FNHA offers resources designed to be accessible and culturally respectful. Local health centers, online toolkits, and multilingual information aim to reduce barriers to care and encourage ongoing dialogue about diabetes prevention and management. Education remains the cornerstone: informed choices today lead to healthier communities tomorrow.
Looking Ahead
As Diabetes Awareness Month continues, FNHA reaffirms its commitment to education that is inclusive, practical, and community‑driven. By elevating voices like Elder Matilda Atleo and other Indigenous educators, FNHA hopes to inspire a future where every person has the knowledge and support needed to manage diabetes effectively and live well.
