Sun Life Diabetes Prevention Program
The Sun Life Diabetes Education and Prevention Program provides holistic, hands-on health and wellness education for Indigenous students at The University of Winnipeg. Through a blend of traditional teachings, dietician-led nutrition guidance and physical activity, our goal is to empower students with the tools to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nurture long-term wellbeing.
Why this matters
Rates of T2DM continue to disproportionately affect Indigenous communities and young adults across Manitoba (Sellers et al., 2012). Physical activity, nutrition and lifestyle habits are key modifiable risk factors in preventing T2DM (Huang et al., 2003). As a result, prevention programs that focus on increasing physical activity, promoting healthy eating behaviors and diabetes education are essential for improving long-term health outcomes.
In partnership with Sun Life, The University of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Student Services Centre created this program to support Indigenous students by:
- Increasing awareness and knowledge of T2DM prevention through culturally relevant education and health promotion activities
- Delivering hands-on cooking lessons that teach students how to prepare affordable, nutritious meals using accessible ingredients
- Providing dietician-led workshops offering practical nutrition guidance tailored to students
- Incorporating traditional medicines and land-based teachings to explore traditional foods, cultural practices, and Indigenous approaches to health and wellbeing
- Exploring the connections between nutrition, physical activity, and T2DM
- Empowering students to apply what they learn in ways that support long term wellbeing for themselves
By combining nutritional education, traditional knowledge and opportunities for physical activity, the goal of this initiative is to educate Indigenous students to make informed decisions that support lifelong health and wellness. Ultimately, investing in prevention today will hopefully address health disparities and support improved health outcomes for future generations.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact Morgann McKenzie, Sun Life – Indigenous Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator.
Indigenous Student Services Centre
Email: mo.mckenzie@uwinnipeg.ca
Phone: 204 786 9168