Welcome to the
OKAKI
Diabetes Virtual Care Clinic
Empowering Indigenous people living with diabetes through culturally safe virtual diabetes care and education.
Our Services
Diabetes Specialist Doctors
The Diabetes Specialist Doctor is knowledgeable about diabetes and can help with the treatment and management of diabetes.
Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs)
The CDE can provide diabetes education and support the client with their diabetes self- management.
Individual and Family Education
How It Works
Our friendly team is here to provide you with compassionate care, ensuring that you feel heard, understood, and respected.
Referral
To refer your clients to a diabetes specialist doctor (endocrinologist), a CDE, or to join our group classes, please fax a referral form to
(587) 760-4567.
Welcome Appointment
The diabetes care team will get to know the client and explain what to expect during their initial appointment.
Initial Visit
Clients will meet with an endocrinologist or the CDE via zoom or phone.
Follow-Up
The endocrinologist and/or CDE will provide ongoing care.
Our CDEs can help your clients with:
Need a Referral?
Individual and Family Education Classes
The online sessions are designed to support clients with diabetes self-management.
Beginning Your Diabetes Journey
Learn about diabetes and how it affects health in major ways.
Navigating the Risks
Learn about the complications of diabetes, and how different screening tools work to help reduce complications.
Mapping Your Medications
Learn about the different types of medications used to treat diabetes.
The Path to Healthy Living
Learn how different foods affect blood sugars, and how managing diabetes well can improve your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW IS OKAKI’S DIABETES VIRTUAL CARE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DIABETES VIRTUAL CARE SERVICES?
OKAKI’s Diabetes Virtual Care Clinic (ODVCC) is working to empower Indigenous community members living with diabetes. ODVCC aims to provide access to culturally safe virtual diabetes care and education for Indigenous people living with diabetes. The ODVCC consists of diabetes specialists, certified diabetes educators and other allied health professionals.
DOES THE DIABETES SPECIALIST PHYSICIAN/ENDOCRINOLOGIST NEED A REFERRAL?
Yes, referrals are accepted from family doctors, nurse practitioners, or registered nurses directly, for those who do not have access to a family doctor.
DOES THE DIABETES SPECIALIST PHYSICIAN/ENDOCRINOLOGIST NEED A REFERRAL?
Yes, referrals are accepted from family doctors, nurse practitioners, or registered nurses directly, for those who do not have access to a family doctor.
WHO CAN I REFER TO YOUR PROGRAM?
This service targets any self-identifying Indigenous person or family member and any person living in or working in or around a First Nation or Metis settlement in Alberta with a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes.
WHAT IS VIRTUAL CARE?
Virtual care is the delivery of medical services over the internet or phone, rather than in person.
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
To see the diabetes specialist, have your primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse) fill out the referral form and fax to (587)-760-4567. To access the educational classes and a certified diabetes educator send an email to virtualcare@okaki.com or call (587)-882-4477.
WHO SHOULD USE THIS SERVICE?
Any self-identifying Indigenous person, and those accessing health services in an Alberta Indigenous community/settlement.
DO I NEED A COMPUTER OR INTERNET TO ACCESS?
No, we can conduct appointments over the phone if you do not have access to video conferencing.
CAN I USE THIS SERVICE IF I DON’T HAVE A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER?
Yes, you can still access the certified diabetes educator and receive one on one diabetes education and/or group education support.
WHAT ARE THE SERVICE HOURS?
Our medical office assistant is available Monday to Friday 0900h – 1600h and can be reached at (587)-882-4477 or via email at virtualcare@okaki.com
Want to Be a Part of Our
CDE Study Group?
Our Team
We’d Love to Hear from You
Testimonials
Diabetes Virtual Care Clinic Services , spearheaded by Kari Meneen RN, CDE have proven to be a success for Bigstone Health commission. The Clinic has reduced long-standing barriers,such transportation for in-person appointments and drastically cut back on the 6-12 month wait time to see an Endocrinologist.
Jessca Oickle
Registered Dietician
I love this Virtual Diabetes Clinic because it is so easy and Dr Li is awesome and so are her nurses. Makes it easy for my mom and I and we don’t have to travel to Edmonton. We love it.
P. Cardinal
Client
Just wanted to use this opportunity to say thank you for the review sessions. The chance to discuss questions and brainstorm cases with other people was very helpful.
Augustine Ezugwu
Pharmacist
Very happy with the care; team is very compassionate.