Public health and clinical implications of high hemoglobin A1c levels and weight in younger adult Native American people with diabetes.

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
TYPE 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health problem among Native Americans, with some communities experiencing 50% prevalence among adults.1 Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is rising nationwide, largely due to environmental influences on genetic susceptibility.1,2 In New Mexico, diabetes is a major concern for Native American communities: some tribes have a prevalence of 30% in persons 35 years and older.3 The rise in prevalence is worrisome because diabetes is associated with serious complications, poor quality of life, and reduced life span.4-8 An early hypothesis that diabetes resulted in less morbidity and mortality in Native Americans than in other ethnic groups has been widely refuted.4,9-15 Compared with the mortality rate of other ethnic groups, the mortality rate for Native Americans with diabetes is rising dramatically.5-8