The diabetes program staff coordinates the activities of 12 model centers of excellence around the country that develop educational approaches and recommend improvements. Because diabetes is so prevalent in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, coordinators provide surveillance and training in diabetes care for clinicians and evaluate control efforts from a public health perspective. Indian health providers help patients make lifestyle changes to control diabetes. As always, IHS works to adapt its health plan to relate to the cultural and linguistic needs of its Indian patients. At greatest nutritional risk are infants, preschool children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, and the chronically ill.
Nutritional care is an integral part of health service delivery.
IHS integrates its nutrition program into all preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative programs. IHS also conducts nutrition services research and coordinates with other social, educational, and food-assistance programs to ensure nutritional services are consistent with the cultural needs of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. IHS places emphasis on incorporating nutrition education into every available health, social, and education service and food assistance program. Throughout our nation's history, American Indian and Alaska Natives have experienced ever-increasing conflicts between their traditional cultures and the demands of modern society. This struggle has contributed greatly to an increase in mental health problems.