Our health promotion team offers healthy living programming that incorporates both contemporary and traditional models of care to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Options include workshops and presentations on living well, nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation and more.

The Diabetes Team works in collaboration with other primary care team members in a wholistic model of care to offer

• preventative education
• insulin adjustments
• regular blood work
• traditional healing
• foot care/chiropody services
• medical care
• diabetes education
• nutrition counselling
• case management
• retinal screening
• dental screening

Services are offered in a variety of settings:

• one on one counselling
• couples and family sessions
• group sessions
• community workshops

Retinopathy Screening

Did you know taking care of your eyes is an important part of living well with diabetes?

Having high blood glucose levels can damage the small blood vessels in the back of the eye leading to vision problems, and if untreated, blindness. The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends yearly retinopathy screening for those living with diabetes for early detection of any problems.

Our retinopathy screening program works in partnership with an ophthalmologist to assess for any eye damage. Want more information? http://www.diabetes.ca/documents/about-diabetes/Fact_Sheet_ENG_3_FINAL.pdf

Oral Health

Did you know that diabetes can affect your oral health? Did you know that oral health can affect your diabetes?

The relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes is two way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to gum disease, but serious gum disease can affect blood glucose control.

If you have diabetes:

• Brush and floss your teeth daily
• Have your teeth cleaned on a regular basis by a Dental Hygienist
• See a Dentist at least once a year

Dental Hygienists visit each community monthly. If you have diabetes and would like to have an oral health assessment, call us at 467-8770.

For more information about the relationship between diabetes and oral health, check out these links:

• http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_teeth/
• http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/living/guidelines/dental-care/

Diabetes Team FAQ:

Q:	Do I need a referral from my doctor or nurse practitioner to make an appointment with the diabetes team?
A:	No! Any Anishinaabe person with diabetes or pre-diabetes can access the diabetes team services – call 467-8770 or stop in at 212 Fourth Avenue South to make an appointment today!
Q:	Do I have to come into Kenora to see the diabetes team?
A:	No – the diabetes team also provides regular clinics in Kenora area First Nation communities. Check our home page for the list of communities we serve. Or contact your health clinic or community health representative to see when the next diabetes clinic is scheduled in your community.