National Diabetes Awareness Month
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose enter your cells to be used for energy. When the body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it effectively, glucose stays in the blood and can lead to serious health problems. [niddk.nih.gov]
There are three main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: The body makes little or no insulin. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
- Type 2 diabetes: The body doesn’t use insulin properly. It is the most common form and often linked to lifestyle and genetic factors.
- Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth, but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later.
Diabetes in Native American Communities
Native American and Alaska Native populations experience some of the highest rates of diabetes in the United States:
- Native adults are nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults.
- Native youth aged 10–19 are nine times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared to other U.S. youth.
- Diabetes-related complications such as kidney disease, vision loss, and heart disease occur more frequently in Native communities due to systemic barriers to care.
Why Awareness Matters
National Diabetes Month is a time to:
- Raise awareness about the symptoms and risks of diabetes.
- Encourage early detection and education.
- Promote understanding of how diabetes affects Native communities.
- Support efforts to reduce health disparities and improve access to culturally relevant care.
Learn More
Visit these trusted sources for more information:
Tribal Wellness Services:
Diabetes Prevention & Management
In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, the Samish Indian Nation Diabetes Program provides a variety of services to help delay or prevent a diabetes diagnosis while also reducing the risk of complications. These services are designed to educate tribal citizens on the risk factors of diabetes while encouraging prevention and management, physical fitness, nutrition, foot care, and vision care.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must be an enrolled Samish tribal citizen.
You must reside in our 12-County Service Area (Clallam, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, or Whatcom County)
Diabetes Application Packet
Note: Physical signature is required on HIPAA form. Return completed forms by:
Mail:
Samish Indian Nation
PO BOX 217
Anacortes, WA 98221
ATTN: Olivia Duvall
Or scan completed form to diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
If you would like us to send you an application with paid return postage, please reach out to diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
Services We Currently Offer:
Monthly Diabetes Educational Information:
Informational flyers regarding how you can prevent and manage your diabetes will be posted each month.
Diabetes Care Incentive Program:
This initiative is designed to support and encourage citizens in managing their diabetes and health while recognizing their dedication to wellness. Eligible participants may receive incentives per completed activity. Qualifying activities include:
- Eye Exam (once per year)
- Dental Cleaning / Exam (twice per year)
- Foot Exam (once per year)
- A1C Test (twice per year)
To utilize this program, you must be enrolled in the diabetes program.
To receive the incentive, you can submit this form: Diabetes Care Incentive Program Verification Form or provide other proof of appointment such as a visit summary or EOB.
Email forms to diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
Open to All Samish Citizens in Our Service Area:
Samish Fitness Challenges: Now Open to ALL Citizens in Washington State!
2026 Fitness Challenge Schedule Coming Soon!!!
Extra Activity Logs: Activity Logs
Click Here to Submit Digitally: Digital Activity Log Submission
Send Registrations & Activity Logs to: wellness@samishtribe.nsn.us.
By Mail:
Samish Indian Nation
PO BOX 217
Anacortes, WA 98221
ATTN: Olivia Duvall
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at wellness@samishtribe.nsn.us.
SKAGIT COUNTY RESIDENTS:
Farm to Table Program: NO INCOME LIMIT
We will be introducing a bi-weekly food box pick up at our cannery campus in the atrium. This partnership with the Puget Sound Food Hub Farmers' Cooperative will bring fresh food from our local farmers around the Puget Sound.
Sign-ups for this service is required: Farm to Table Sign Up Sheet