Achieving long-term effectiveness of nutrition counseling for indigenous older adults with type 2 Diabetes

Background: The prevalence of diabetes has sharply increased after the age of 40 years since 2008/09. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the Indigenous population is 17.2% higher compared to the non-Indigenous population in Canada. Canadian Indigenous older adults are disproportionately affected by nutrition-related chronic diseases. The socio-cultural, biological, environmental, and lifestyle changes seen in this population group in the last half-century have contributed significantly to increased rates of T2DM and its complications. Ongoing lifestyle optimization including nutrition counselling and healthy eating patterns is essential for all patients with diabetes. Objective: The objectives of the study is to co-create a culturally safe nutrition plan. Method: We will invite the older adults from Caldwell First nation (target population) to focus group discussions to co-create the intervention following social constructivist approach. Implication: It is the intention of our study to respect and uphold traditional beliefs about Indigenous wholistic wellness – that our emotional, spiritual, physical and mental selves are not separate and that there can be no good health in one area if there remains sickness in another. A culturally sensitive nutrition counselling education material offers a promising strategy for improving the access to nutrition knowledge that may sustain a positive behavior change in older adults from Caldwell First Nation.