Number of American Indians With Diabetes Doubles Over Last 10 Years

Despite efforts by federal health officials and millions of dollars to fund treatment programs, the number of American Indians who have diabetes has more than doubled over the last 10 years to more than 107,000 cases, the AP/Las Vegas Sun reports. For example, more than 18% of Navajo reservation residents are diabetic, an increase of nearly 33% in the last five years, the AP/Sun reports. Dr. Kelly Moore, a clinical consultant with the Indian Health Services' national diabetes program, said, "While diabetes is a nationwide epidemic that affects anybody at any age, we know minorities face a disproportionate burden. For American Indians, we have the highest burden."

Prevention Efforts
Although tribal health officials have made progress in the treatment of diabetes since it was first recognized as an issue in the 1970s, focus is now on prevention, the AP/Sun reports. Despite the increase in the number of diabetes cases among American Indians, health experts say that more American Indians are "getting screened, exercising and watching their diets," the AP/Sun reports. Marie Allen, director of the Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Project, said, "The disease as we know it really has no cure right now so it has to be lifestyle changes." The program is one of 300 nationwide that received special federal funding for prevention initiatives. More than half of the projects have initiated community walking programs, and about six out of seven provide diabetes education. Navajo health officials also are launching native language radio ads about healthy foods; posting billboards to promote exercise; dispatching specialists to schools and chapter houses to screen potential patients and give cooking tips; and sponsoring annual conferences on diabetes-related topics. IHS is working with health care providers to teach tribal members about healthier lifestyles through both traditional and western medicine (Montoya Bryan, AP/Las Vegas Sun, 6/17).