​​​What is diabetes?

We have trillions of cells in our bodies, and they need energy to do their work in keeping us well. They get their energy from sugar in the blood. Insulin is needed to move the sugar from our blood into our cells. Diabetes is when the body cannot get or use sugar from the blood as energy for our cells. The sugar gets stuck in the blood, and this leads to high blood sugar. High blood sugar, over time, causes damage to our body.

There are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 2 diabetes is when the body makes insulin, but the insulin does not open the cells to let the sugar in.
2. Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not make enough insulin, so there is nothing to open the cells to let sugar in. 
3. Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy. If usually goes away after birth but does increase the chance of Type 2 diabetes. With gestational diabetes, the body makes insulin, but the insulin does not open the cells to let the sugar in (similar to Type 2 diabetes). ​
   

What is wholistic diabetes care?

Diabetes care is all about balance. Balance in our lives, balance in ourselves, and balance in blood sugar.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) recognizes that prior to contact, First Nations people did not experience diseases such as diabetes. Traditional First Nations culture incorporates wholistic wellness into everyday life. Pre-contact lifestyles included diverse physical activity and healthy traditional diets. The FNHA supports a wholistic approach that recognizes each person's unique diabetes journey.

Diabetes care includes:

• Balance in body, mind, heart and spirit.
• Culture, support and respect.
• Movement as medicine.
• Uplifting strengths and reducing stigma.
• Access to food and medicines.
• Self-compassion, trusting the body and honouring its needs.
• Self-determination.

Does the FNHA have any coverage for diabetes items and supplies?

First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) coverage is available for some diabetes items and supplies. You can learn more about FNHB eligibility here.

• Coverage for diabetes items
• Blood Glucose Test Strips
  

FNHA community diabetes education materials

The FNHA created diabetes education materials for delivery in community, called Honour your strength: our diabetes wellness journey. The content, messages, and activities were developed with guidance from First Nations people living with diabetes, who shared their stories, and an advisory circle of Knowledge Carriers, dietitians and nurses.

The series has eight sessions for group learning and sharing, that cover wholistic health, food, movement, medications, and many more topics related to diabetes wellness. It blends information sharing with storytelling and hopes to build peer support and knowledge locally. The sessions are delivered by community health teams and are currently being piloted in 22 communities across BC. The materials will be available for all communities to access after the pilot is evaluated.

Mental health and wellness supports in BC

There are many emotions that can come up around diabetes. Some people feel fear, anger, denial, or sadness. Others might start to feel curiosity, hope, or motivation. Taking care of these emotions is part of the wholistic diabetes wellness journey.

Confidential mental health and crisis intervention supports are listed below, and coverage is available for Clients through the FNHB mental health program.

First Nations Health Benefits and Services: mental health

FNHB offers coverage for Mental Health Services across BC. Many providers are registered to bill FNHB directly for services. Before booking an appointment with a counsellor, you can call 1-855-550-5454 or visit our website to check if you are registered and if the service is eligible for coverage.

Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Services

This service is for individuals looking for mental health supports for psychiatry or substance use. Access to this resource requires a referral from a health care provider. The FNHA's  First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day service provides referral support for anyone who does not have a primary care provider. You can call First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day at 1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment.

For more information, you can visit our Mental Health and Wellness Supports website.

Diabetes resources:​

Ahousaht's First Diabetes Wellness Retreat (2024): tee cha chitl "getting well again |to come alive": This video highlights Ahousaht's diabetes wellness retreat, focusing on a diabetes wellness approach that centered traditional foods, traditional healers, ce​​remony and the importance of gathering with family and community for healing.​

Healthy Lifestyle to Manage Diabe​tes (Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreational Council or I-SPARC): Ways to live well with type 2 diabetes

Healthy Eating on a Budget Cookbook for Diabetes (Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council): Healthy recipes for preventing or living well with diabetes and nutrition information

Understanding Adult Type 2 Diabetes Video Series (Interior Health): Covers many topics related to understanding diabetes and diabetes care, such as blood sugar monitoring, nutrition and caring for your feet

Handbook for Indigenous Peoples Living with Diabetes (National Indigenous Diabetes Association): Learn about culture and diabetes, prevention and managing diabetes, mental health and more

On the Road to Diabetes Health (Fraser Health): Covers physical wellness in relation to diabetes, including checking blood sugars, medications, travel tips and more

Make it Sacred (Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle): Healthy living resource for those on the path of wholistic health and wellness. Resources include mindful eating, engaging our physical body, peace finding, restoring balance within self and the moon teachings

Food is Medicine Cooking Show (I-SPARC): Dietitians explore recipes that are accessible and nutritious while celebrating traditional foods

Food is Medicine Recipe Book (FNHA and I-SPARC): Accessible and nutritious recipes that celebrate traditional foods

A Conversation on Diabetes Webinar (Diabetes Canada): A discussion on Indigenous health history, experiences living with diabetes, strategies and more

Resources for People with Diabetes (Diabetes Canada): Additional resources for a range of diabetes-related topics