FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 30, 2018
GLENPOOL, Okla. – Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Diabetes Program held the 12th Annual Diabetes Awareness Summit Aug. 30, 2018, at the Glenpool Conference Center in Glenpool, Okla.
Through the collaboration of several MCN programs and volunteers, the tribally funded event brings awareness to the epidemic of diabetes in Native Americans and ways to prevent and manage diabetes.
The summit provided diabetes related topics including behavioral health, breakout sessions and presentations by Dr. Kevin Morford and Dr. Terence J. Vincent.
To start the morning, the nearly 300 attendees participated in morning exercise with zumba, walking and yoga.
Dance classes were offered, as well as education on teeth, foot care and dietary advise on staying healthy.
Each year the summit alternates locations across the tribal jurisdiction to allow those interested a chance to attend and is open to MCN employees, citizens and members of other federally recognized tribes.
Kimberlee Little with the MCN Diabetes Program said with the Native American race having one of the highest percentages of those affected by diabetes, it’s important to let people know managing diabetes is possible without amputation, kidney damage and other associated factors.
According to a Center for Disease Control statistical 2017 report, about 15 percent of Native Americans have diabetes.
Because of the prevalence of diabetes in the Native American community, the summit evolved from the Women’s Caucus’ suggestion to provide an educational conference to citizens and the MCN Diabetes Program took over the event five years ago.
“The thought is to just get the awareness out to citizens about how they can prevent diabetes or manage it,” Little said. “It’s important we get this out there because we don’t want people to feel like it’s a death sentence if they are diagnosed for diabetes. Let’s see how we can manage it without having to go through the complications that come with it.”
The attendees left with goody bags from vendors and educational material.
###