Local Impact - Minnesota

Arne Vainio, MD - Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Fond du Lac Human Services Diabetes Prevention Program

"We have an Ojibwe saying, “We do these things to keep our traditions and language alive.” The only way to do this is to keep our elders alive and the best way to do that is through our diabetes prevention efforts and everything that goes with it."
- Arne Vainio, MD

My mom endured multiple complications from diabetes including, amputations of both her legs and a kidney transplant. On the night of my graduation from residency she passed away from congestive heart failure. Then at age 46 my brother had a stroke which started me on my personal journey to look at my own health risks. That journey has evolved into writing health articles for a variety of Native publications and a video-documentary that has gone viral in Native communities.

Along the way, I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, enrolled in the Fond du Lac Diabetes Prevention Program, lost 17 pounds and today my blood sugar is no longer in the pre-diabetic range. I think it was strange for others in the classes when I first started attending, but I learned a lot in the 16 week Lifestyle Balance curriculum and 3 year commitment. I felt it was extremely helpful that the program was a team effort with clinicians, diabetes educators, lifestyle coaches, dietitians, fitness coaches, and support staff. I especially appreciated the sharing and being at the table with the other participants who were also focused on diabetes prevention and improving their overall health. The education and support from both the staff and participants was invaluable. We are a sharing community. That is our heritage and that’s how we learn our language and culture.

Diabetes in Minnesota

According to 2008 CDC data, approximately 229,000 people in Minnesota – 5.6% of the population – had diagnosed diabetes, and many suffer from serious diabetes related complications or conditions. In addition to the human toll diabetes places on people in Minnesota, the financial burden diabetes places on the state’s health system is staggering – in 2007, the direct and indirect cost of diabetes in Minnesota was approximately $2.68 billion.

Stories & Progams