About Us

IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention (DDTP)

The DDTP is responsible for developing, documenting, and sustaining clinical and public health efforts to treat and prevent diabetes in American Indians and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. The DDTP also plays a central role in managing and supporting the diabetes-related initiatives listed below.

Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI)

In response to the diabetes epidemic among AI/AN people, Congress established the SDPI in 1997. The SDPI provides funds for diabetes treatment and prevention services to IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian communities across the United States. As a result, AI/AN communities now have much needed diabetes resources and increased access to quality diabetes care.

Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4)

American Indians and Alaska Native people are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity. The P4 grants aim to demonstrate and evaluate the impact of produce prescription programs on AI/AN people and their families. The goal is to improve health outcomes by reducing food insecurity and improving overall dietary health by increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods.

Further information and additional resources are also available on the IHS Nutrition website.

Healthy Lifestyles in Youth Project

This project provides funds that help promote healthy lifestyles among AI/AN youth at selected Native Boys and Girls Club sites using the “Together Raising Awareness for Indian Life” (T.R.A.I.L.) curriculum. The long-term goal is to prevent or delay the onset of obesity and related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.

Partners

Area Diabetes Consultants (ADC)

Each of the 12 IHS Areas has an ADC who provides support and training to SDPI sites in that Area. The ADCs are health care professionals with expertise in diabetes. They play a critical role in diabetes program improvement, as well as SDPI grant oversight and accountability.

Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee (TLDC)

Tribal consultation is an integral part of federal program development. The TLDC makes recommendations to the IHS Director on broad-based policy and advocacy priorities for diabetes and related chronic conditions. The TLDC is composed of one elected Tribal Leader from each of the 12 IHS Areas, one federal representative, and technical advisors from groups representing national organizations.