The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community today announced a $25,000 grant to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for research about and treatment and prevention of diabetes among Native Americans in Minnesota.
At nearly 16.1%, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have the highest prevalence of diabetes in the United States. Native Americans are more than twice as likely to develop diabetes as are white Americans, according to the Office of Minority Health. Additionally, Native Americans are more likely to face complications associated with diabetes, including heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in Minnesota, but for American Indians in Minnesota, the death rate from diabetes is nearly five times higher than non-Hispanic whites.
“The support of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community helps us make a measurable impact on diabetes research, prevention and treatment, especially among Native American populations,” said David Becker, American Diabetes Association Executive Director, serving Minnesota and North Dakota.
Find out what's happening in Shakopeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The SMSC has donated a total of $365,750 to the American Diabetes Association since 1996. The SMSC has also provided its Mobile Unit and Mdewakanton Public Safety staff to provide support for the ADA’s Golden Valley Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes fundraising event. The SMSC Mobile Unit provides medical support during events, serves as a mobile medical clinic, and is a mobile incident command center in emergency situations.