Societal and biological approaches to diabetes prevention and care for Inuit populations: a narrative review

The Inuit populations that inhabit the Arctic regions have adapted to survive in extreme conditions. However, recent societal changes and colonisation have led to rapid shifts in diet and physical activity, increasing the burden of chronic diseases, especially diabetes, in these regions. In addition, modern-day Inuit face significant challenges in accessing diabetes care and prevention and awareness programmes because of geographical isolation and fragmented healthcare services. This narrative review describes diabetes epidemiology in Inuit populations living in Canada, Alaska and Greenland and their genetic architecture, as well as the organisation of healthcare related to diabetes and interventions aimed at creating awareness and preventing the onset and complications of diabetes in these regions. Despite their shared genetic architecture, differences are observed across Inuit populations in Canada, Alaska and Greenland in diabetes prevalence and healthcare interventions, and especially in the organisation of diabetes healthcare. This narrative review highlights the importance of culturally sensitive healthcare interventions and comprehensive research and data collection that address the specific health needs of the Inuit. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern medical practices is essential for the development of effective, sustainable strategies for diabetes prevention and care for the Inuit living in the circumpolar Arctic regions.