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TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2003

Through lifestyle changes, the Ak-Chin Indian Community is combating diabetes, a disease that affects about a third of tribal members.

Cassandra Allen runs the tribe's diabetes program. Using $240,000 in grants, she has started exercise classes, swimming lessons and has hired a dietitian in the last two years. Additional funds will come from the federal Special Diabetes Program, which is helping tribes nationwide.

Last year, the tribe only saw eight new cases of diabetes, about half the number in previous years.

Get the Story:
Ak-Chin excited by assault on diabetes (The Arizona Republic 6/24)

Relevant Links:
Diabetes, Yahoo Health - http://health.yahoo.com/health/centers/diabetes
National Diabetes Program, Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov/MedicalPrograms/Diabetes/index.asp

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