Discovering the literature on Aboriginal diabetes in Canada: a focus on holistic methodologies

Promoting culturally competent care for diabetes is critical to addressing the health inequities of indigenous peoples. Based on a review of studies published between 1995 and 2007, the author presents a descriptive analysis of Aboriginal diabetes knowledge guiding the involvement of advanced practice nurses in programs of care. While the literature review is not systematic, it is sufficiently comprehensive to provide a theoretical backdrop to Aboriginal diabetes programs of practice and research. In terms of a particular area of Aboriginal diabetes literature, it also provides a snapshot of community-based diabetes research focused on holistic methodologies historically used in the Canadian context. The Aboriginal diabetes literature is found to be a source of rich information. Analysis of holistic methodologies, however, reveals underdevelopment of research and limited use of key holistic guidelines for Aboriginal policy research.