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Confronting the challenge of aboriginal diabetes

Walking into the Librarie du Nouvel Ontario was a welcome relief from the chilly evening air. It seemed like any other night, where patrons sat around tables, chatting and drinking coffee.

Walking into the Librarie du Nouvel Ontario was a welcome relief from the chilly evening air. It seemed like any other night, where patrons sat around tables, chatting and drinking coffee. Except that everyone sat facing two women in large leather armchairs. The cozy coffee house-bookstore was hosting the latest café scientifique.

Café scientifiques are events during which citizens sit down with a cup of coffee and explore topics in science and technology. These events take place in local bars, restaurants or cafés.

The topic this evening was on “Confronting the challenges of aboriginal diabetes.”

Dr. Darrell Manitowabi, Native Studies professor at Laurentian, was moderator for the night, and introduced our speakers for the evening. They were Dr. Marion Maar, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Dr. Dawn Martin-Hill, Indigenous Studies professor at McMaster University.

Diabetes is a major issue for aboriginal communities. The occurrence of diabetes is three times higher in aboriginal communities than the national average. Children are being increasingly diagnosed with old-age onset diabetes (Type II diabetes). If left untreated, diabetes leads to heart, kidney, and eye problems. Diabetes-related nerve damage in the limbs can lead to gangrene and amputation.

Diet and exercise can help individuals manage diabetes. However, the psycho-social impacts of forced assimilation through residential schools, as well as poverty, have resulted in poor diets in aboriginals. Some aboriginal mothers admitted possibly over-feeding their children, so that they do not experience starvation as the parents once did.

Everyone agreed that there needs to be a shift back to traditional foods. Unfortunately, there can be problems with shifting back to a traditional diet. One man said that government-imposed restrictions made it challenging for him to hunt for moose, a traditional aboriginal prey.

The sharing of personal experiences and knowledge was a key component of the café scientifique, and this knowledge sharing occurred between all members of the group.

The health care professionals in attendance seemed grateful for the open dialogue. They thought that doctors and nurses who work with aboriginals required more training in order to improve their practice. I was confident that the dialogue would continue as all those involved work towards solving this challenge. A woman that night from the Canadian Diabetes Association said it best: “...we want to invite you to the table, we hope you will invite us...”

At this café scientifique, we confronted the challenge of aboriginal diabetes, and the thought of the co-operation and interaction warmed me as I stepped back into the chilly night.

Justin So is a graduate student in the joint Laurentian University – Science North Science Communication program.


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