International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

Ethnic peculiarities of the North native inhabitants health

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Yup’ik Eskimos equals levels observed throughout the United States, but the prevalence of type II diabetes remains low. To evaluate some of the risk factors for type II diabetes, we assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in 619 adult Yup’ik Eskimos residing in 6 rural villages and a small town in Southwestern Alaska. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was classified according to the ATP III criteria. The age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 17.7% in Yup’ik Eskimos, compared with 27% among NHANES 1999-2000 participants. The prevalence among female participants was 20.8% compared to 11.6% in males. The most prevalent risk factor for metabolic syndrome in Yup’ik Eskimos was waist circumference. Over 50% of female participants exceeded the 88cm ATPIII criteria cutoff. Blood pressure was the second most common risk factor, while abnormal fasting glucose, HDL, and triglycerides were much less common.

Our preliminary results indicate that metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes are not yet common among Yup’ik Eskimos because many of our participants retain metabolically healthy levels of plasma glucose, high density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. While the mechanisms contributing to well managed glucose and lipid levels and are unknown, we are investigating additional circulating hormones and metabolites, as well as body fat distribution patterns and dietary factors that may help to explain why some individuals remain healthy, despite being overweight or obese. Waist circumference, age and circulating adiponectin levels seem to play a role in determining whether Yup’ik Eskimos are metabolically healthy or not. In addition, a diet rich in omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may partially explain the healthy lipid profiles observed in our study population. However, warning signs indicate that gender differences may signal differential risk that is amenable to both primary and secondary prevention efforts.

The CANHR study is funded by a grant from the National Center for Research Resources at the National Institutes of Health (P20 RR16430, to Dr. Gerald Mohatt). The CANHR team would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of our study participants and their communities for welcoming us and teaching us so much about the Yup’ik way of life. Quyana!

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

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Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)