Summer is over and most of our kids are back in school… it is time for physicals, immunizations and several doctors visits. The RSTDPP will soon begin its yearly youth screening program and  thought we should tell you how it gets done. This services are free of charge and include: Doctors visits, physical guidance, dietitian consultations and much more...

     You might be thinking: “what does this screening involve? ”Thanks to years of research around the world, medical science has determined that certain features and conditions are linked to getting type II diabetes, the type of diabetes most common on the Rosebud Reservation.  These conditions include:

     Overweight/obesity

     High blood cholesterol

     High blood pressure

     Family history of type II diabetes

     Inactive lifestyle…

     These conditions seem to ‘stack the deck’ in favor of getting diabetes.  With that in mind, if we can pull one or more of these problems “out of the deck”, a person’s chances of getting diabetes is less.  Now there isn’t much you can do about your family history (how many of your parents and grandparents have diabetes?)  BUT, you can:

     lower your body weight;

     lower your cholesterol;

     lower your blood pressure;

    increase your physical activity level;

     That is why the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), looks for these factors in its screening programs. In school- and community-based screening events, the DPP focuses on checking for overweight and obesity by measuring height and weight and calculating a number called body mass index (BMI).  This number allows a person’s weight to be classified as either low or high risk. Screeners also measure blood pressure using a standard blood pressure cuff to classify the reading against national standards.  Finally, staff look for something called Aacanthosis Nigricans (go to our web site to see a definition), a darkening of the skin around the neck, which is a sign that the body is having to produce too much insulin to keep blood sugar normal.  In the Youth Wellness Clinic at the DPP building, a child will have additional testing to detect high blood cholesterol, will fill out questionnaires about physical activity and diet, and will be asked about family history.

     The results of these screening factors are collected together to determine a person’s overall chances of getting diabetes.  Based on that score, the DPP swings into action to provide unique and continuous support designed to help the child and family lower or eliminate risk factors.

     How do we do that?  It is a simple yet comprehensive process. Stay alert to your mail, if your child is at risk, we will send you a letter inviting you to participate in this program. Your involvement and support could save your child’s life

     For additional information on screening, pre-diabetes and other risk factor, check us out on the web at www.rstdpp.org or call Eleanor to schedule an appointment at 747-4600.