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

Objectives: To examine the recent trends and research of diabetes in the Alaska Native populations. Known risk factors and existing prevention programs will be addressed in this population. Study Design: This is a literature review, not an original study, of available data on diabetes trends, research and prevention programs in the Alaska Native populations.

Methods: A literature review was performed of available data bases.

Results: Diabetes has been increasing at higher levels in the Alaska Native and American Indian populations than in other race/ethnicities. Of all American Indians and Alaska Natives aged 20 years and older that receive care from Indian Health Services (IHS), 14.5% have diabetes. On average, American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2.2 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites of a similar age. Diabetes Type 2 has traditionally been regarded as a disease of adults, but the prevalence is increasing among American Indian and Alaska Native children and youths. Between 1990 and 1998 the number of American Indian and Alaska Native children diagnosed with diabetes that used IHS increased by 71%, the overall prevalence increase by 46%. Potential reasons for the increase include loss of traditional diet, obesity, inactivity, and having been born to a mother that had gestational diabetes. There are numerous prevention programs in place at the local and state and national level to address the increasing rates of diabetes: National Diabetes Education Program, National Diabetes Prevention Center, Alaska Diabetes Prevention and Control Programs, Indian Health Services National Diabetes Program and the Alaska Native Medical Center Diabetes Program (ANMCDP). The ANMCDP works with tribal health agencies on prevention and treatment of diabetes; training of village health aides; physical activity programs; patient education; primary prevention activities; and adherence to standards of care to prevent complications.

Conclusions: The growing burden of diabetes in Native populations creates unique problems for health professionals. Native populations have undergone large cultural changes that make them more susceptible to chronic diseases like diabetes. Prevention programs in Alaska may pose as models for other Native populations in the circumpolar regions.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

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