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Diabetes in American Indians. An overview
D Gohdes1, S Kaufman, S Valway
1Indian Health Service Diabetes Program, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102.
Diabetes Care
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Diabetes is a significant and widespread health issue for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Urgent strategies are needed to prevent diabetes and its complications in these communities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Indigenous Health
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus represents a growing public health concern.
- American Indians and Alaska Natives experience disproportionately high rates of diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the increasing prevalence of diabetes.
- To assess the current status of diabetes as a major health problem in American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Main Methods:
- Review of previously published studies on diabetes in Native American populations.
- Comparison of historical data with current epidemiological findings.
Main Results:
- Diabetes has become a pervasive health issue across diverse American Indian tribes.
- While rates vary, the overall trend indicates a widespread problem.
Conclusions:
- Improved understanding of diabetes natural history in Native populations.
- Critical need for enhanced prevention strategies for diabetes and its complications.
- Urgent requirement for community-based interventions to combat diabetes.