A new addition to the multi-disciplinary team: registered dieticians and their roles in translating evidence-based practice into culturally sensitive diabetes care - Mengxue (Ada) Wang

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DMT2) has become an alarming social issue in Nunavut as its prevalence in the Inuit population exceeded the one in the total population of Canada (after age standardization) (Statistics Canada, 2015). Living in Nunavut, Inuit are at increased risk of developing DMT2 at a younger age, with poorer adherence, as well as, developing diabetes complications sooner after diagnosis (Crowshoe, et al., 2018). The Clinical Dietitian position has been created as a way to proactively increase health outcomes focused on indicators such as diabetes, and increasing quality and accessibility of health care specific to the needs its Northern communities (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2012). The environment and healthcare system in Nunavut makes it challenging to carry out most clinical practice guidelines particularly because they were developed based on research and medical models from a “Southern” context. The aim of this presentation is, therefore, to introduce (1) challenges faced in developing and delivering efficient, collaborative and culturally-appropriate diabetes care; (2) cultural adaptations of evidence-based practice to the Inuit Societal Values; (3) the impact on communities as a whole in: preventing and managing diabetes; in promoting healthy relationship with traditional and southern foods; in increasing health literacy, while adapting the recommendations under the Truth & Reconciliation Commission.