The Diabetes Management System (DMS) can be a rich source of information for tribes that use the Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS). Check with the local diabetes program or RPMS site manager to find out if the DMS is in use.

1. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). Your Guide to Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/-/media/Files/Diabetes/YourGuide2Diabetes_508.pdf.
2. The Unofficial IHS Diabetes Care & Outcomes Audit Support Site. IHS Standards of Care for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.  https://www.ihs.gov/diabetes/audit/.
3. Indian Health Service Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention. Clinical Guidelines for Adults with Prediabetes and/or the Metabolic Syndrome.  https://www.ihs.gov/diabetes/.
4. Diabetes prevalence among American Indians and Alaska Natives and the overall population—United States, 1994-2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Aug 1 2003;52(30):702-704. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5230a3.htm.
5. Diagnosed diabetes among American Indians and Alaska Natives aged <35 years–United States, 1994-2004. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Nov 10 2006;55(44):1201-1203. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5544a4.htm
6. Wilson C, Gilliland S, Cullen T, et al. Diabetes outcomes in the Indian health system during the era of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians and the Government Performance and Results Act. Am J Public Health. Sep 2005;95(9):1518-1522.
7. Romero F, Hasty F, Rose R, et al. Northwest Tribal Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Project, Aggregate Final Report. Portland, OR: Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board; 2003. Full report available for download from this website under “Resources – Reports”.

The WTDP consists of two divisions: Northwest and National. WTDP delivers its services through support from our Portland offices and site visits to participating tribes. During the site visits WTDP staff provide hands-on training and support. Most sites receive at least two site visits.

Working with participating tribes, WTDP uses a step-by-step approach for diabetes data improvement.

Diabetes (also called diabetes mellitus) is a chronic disease usually characterized by very high levels of blood glucose (often called blood sugar).  There are two major types of diabetes, now called type 1 and type 2.  Although the two forms are different in many ways, the end result of both is high blood sugar and the long-term complications that result.

Over time, diabetes can damage nearly every tissue in the body and result in disastrous complications, including heart attacks, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations of toes, feet, or legs. Because of the risk of these complications, patients who have diabetes should have regular check-ups. The IHS Standards of Care for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes describe recommended checks in detail.

Prediabetes is a related condition in which blood sugar levels are high, but not as high as in diabetes. In 2006, the IHS released standards of care for prediabetes, including screening guidelines. Another related condition, gestational diabetes, sometimes develops in women during pregnancy. Although gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it has a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. With modest weight loss and regular physical activity, people can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.