BRAID – Being Responsible American Indians with Diabetes
 
Diabetes is a chronic life-long disease.  People who are diagnosed with diabetes must be vigilant and ever responsible for their care, while diabetes can be intimidating, it can be managed. Part of that management regime is the BRAID program. 

BRAID is an intensive education program in which patients learn about diabetes, management and heart disease.  BRAID is open to patients and their families with a doctor’s referral. There are four intensive 2.5 to 3 hour long sessions, which can be completed in as little as a month or up to a year.

Session I consists of learning about diabetes, about common terms and tests, how to monitor blood sugar and what the test means, how to handle blood sugar variations due to other illness and fever, and what high and low blood sugar means to your health.

Session II covers target goals, optimal blood sugar and blood fats. We begin with each patient’s current numbers and develop individual action plans. Benefits and barriers to implementing the plan are discussed. Finally participants self-evaluate their readiness
to change.

Session III covers healthy eating habits. This is not about a one-size-fits-all “diet.” The program emphasizes healthy eating habits. The importance of exercise is covered with “Move to Stay Healthy.” The emotional affects of diabetes are covered with “Diabetes and Mind, Spirit
and Emotion”.

Session IV is the final chapter. Participants learn from our Pharmacist about diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol medications. They also learn about the potential complications of diabetes that can affect the eyes, heart, kidneys and nerves.

In addition to classes, BRAID holds four evening events a year, with guest speakers offering new information on diabetes. A healthy meal is served and the event is open to all patients and their families.

For more information on this program, please contact the BRAID program coordinator at (405) 948-4900, ext. 212.
 

Because of the high caliber of OKCIC’s team, and the proven results of the program, OKCIC is proud to announce that our BRAID program has achieved recognition from Indian Health Services as an Integrated
Diabetes Education Recognition Program (IDERP).
 

For more information on these important, life-saving programs, please call (405) 948-4900, ext. 212 to speak confidentially to one of our skilled staff.