Co-designing Enhanced Models of Care for First Nations Children at Risk for Childhood-onset Type 2 Diabetes

Guided by gaps in knowledge and care identified by participant advisors, community, and First Nations leadership, we have developed a multifaceted and multidisciplinary research program which leverages the existing NextGen Cohort to enhance metabolic screening and evaluate novel intervention strategies. With our First Nations partners we will 1) Co-develop a perinatal support program led by a community-based navigator to support maternal and early childhood nutrition and activity, including breastfeeding supports, aimed at diabetes prevention, 2) Implement community-based early childhood screening for evidence of dysglycemia, and 3) Co-develop and implement a community led land-based program for children ages 4-5 years and their caregivers to encourage and educate about the benefits of traditional nutrition and activities to maintain wellness. In partnership with the Four Arrows Regional Health Authority (FARHA) and its four governing Anisininew First Nations in Manitoba, this program of research will address the lifecycle of intergenerational T2D by implementation of pre and post-natal/early childhood interventions in a population with the highest rates of childhood-onset T2D observed in the world (2).

Inclusion criteria

• Pregnant women with type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or no diabetes.
• From self-identified Indigenous heritage (e.g., Cree, Oji-Cree, Métis, Anishinaabe, etc.).
• Are delivering and residing in Manitoba.
• Mother/Father and children must be biological family members.

Exclusion criteria

• Mothers or children with type 1 diabetes.
• Residing outside of Manitoba.