The Indian Health Service's Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention is providing a range of educational resources and upcoming training sessions aimed at supporting diabetes prevention and care within American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Clinical and Community Resources
The Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention (DDTP) provides clinicians and community members with specialized tools, including diabetes educator tools, lesson plans, and an online catalog of educational materials and resources. The division also manages the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), which offers grant resources, training for SDPI grantees, and the SDPI Outcomes System (SOS).
Upcoming Educational Webinars
A series of upcoming webinars is scheduled to address diverse aspects of diabetes management and prevention. On September 23, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET, Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES, will lead a session titled "Small Shifts, Big Impact: Integrating Nutrition Standards, CKM Care, and Nutrition-Focused Medication Management in Diabetes."
Following this, a webinar scheduled for September 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET, titled "Made for Us, By Us: Get to Know CDC's New Native PreventT2 Curriculum and Resources," will feature presenters Dolores Addison, MPH, RDN; Kelli Begay, MS, MBA, RDN; Shon McCage, PhD, MPH; Kavitha Muthuswamy, MPH; Shannon Saltclah, Pharm.D., BC-ADM, Ph.C., CPH; and Lee Ann Sherrill, RN, CDCES.
Recorded Training and Audits
The training schedule continues into October with a session on October 7, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET. Erica Dean, MS, RDN, CDCES, FMNS, will present "Trauma, Nutrition, and Metabolic Resilience: Implications for Diabetes Prevention and Care."
For those seeking past training, several recorded webinars are available. These include a presentation from July 22, 2026, regarding the 2024 and 2025 IHS Diabetes Care and Outcomes Audit, presented by Devina Boga, PhD, MSPH, Lani Desaulniers, MD, and Dorinda Wiley-Bradley, RN, CDCES. Other recorded topics include how Community Health Representatives (CHRs) strengthen tribal diabetes programs, a topic presented by Teresa Meehan, PhD, on July 8, 2026, and the connection between nicotine use and diabetes, presented by LCDR Philip Gorz, PharmD, BCPS, and Rachel Washburn, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, NCPS, on June 24, 2026.
Youth and Family Engagement
The Indian Health Service also provides targeted materials for families through its "Healthy Native Youth and Diabetes Prevention" tip sheet. This resource is designed for parents and caregivers to help guide children toward a healthy future by establishing healthy eating habits, staying active, and involving youth in family meals.
Additionally, the division features the "Eagle Book Series," which uses storytelling to educate children. The third book, "Plate Full of Color," features characters Miss Rabbit, Little Hummingbird, and Simon to teach the value of eating a variety of colorful, healthy foods. The fourth book, "Tricky Treats," introduces the character Coyote, a trickster who attempts to lead children toward unhealthy foods, ultimately teaching the importance of avoiding such options.
Updates and Disclaimers
Individuals interested in updates regarding diabetes prevention and treatment in American Indian and Alaska Native communities can join the IHS Diabetes LISTSERV. The division also maintains a disclaimer regarding current federal government funding, noting that information on the website may not be up to date or acted upon due to the current funding situation.
