Diabetes

4400 Auburn Blvd., 2nd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95841
(916) 929-9761

Last Modified: January 30, 2008

Diabetes and American Indians

Diabetes is more of a threat to American Indians than any other disease in history. In some tribal communities half of all adults have this serious disease. Many American Indian tribes have experienced an epidemic of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 2) in recent years. The overall prevalence of diabetes among American Indians and Alaska Natives combined is nine percent (approximately 176,000 cases). On average, they are 2.8 times as likely to have diagnosed diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. Available data may underestimate they true prevalence of diabetes in American Indians. Until recently, type 2 diabetes was rarely diagnosed in children and adolescents; however, it is now common among American Indian children ages 10 and older. This increased prevalence appears to be related to sudden shifts toward sedentary life-style and increased calorie intake. These changes, superimposed on a genetic predisposition to diabetes, pose a series risk factor to Native American children throughout California. Complications from diabetes are major causes of death and health problems in most Native American Populations. The serious complications of diabetes are increasing in frequency. Of major concern are increasing rates of kidney failure, amputations and blindness. The death rates for diabetes in American Indians is estimated to be 4.3 times the rate in non-Hispanic whites.

American Indians and Alaska Native adults ages 50-64 in California have a significantly higher prevalence rate of diabetes (19.6%) compared with whites (8.3%). One in five AI/AN adults age 65 and over reports having diabetes. (Satter et al, 2003.)
Approximately six in ten AI/AN adults diagnosed with diabetes have also been diagnosed with high blood pressure—nearly 2.8 times the rate of AI/AN adults not diagnosed with diabetes. (Satter et al, 2003.)
Approximately one in four (26.2%) AI/AN adults with diagnosed diabetes in California has also been diagnosed with heart disease, nearly 3.4 times the rate of adults not diagnosed with diabetes. (Satter et al, 2003.)

CRIHB Diabetes Program Activities

The CRIHB physican, public health nurse and registered dietitian distribute, advise on and review five grant application packages to be submitted to IHS as one application for the special Diabetes for Indians funding. This provides the tribal organization with any necessary technical assistance to produce a quality diabetes program.

The CRIHB physician, the public health nurse and the registered dietician also conduct on-site diabetes presentations, program-wide diabetes conferences, and site visits for health program staff and community members. Training offers the latest information on medications, diet, exercise, foot care and more. Updated, culturally appropriate educational materials are developed or purchased and proviced to CRIHB member programs.

The CRIHB Diabetes Team consists of the physician, the public health nurse, registered dietitian, clinical nurse and RPMS trainer. The Team meets monthly to assist with AI clinic programming and training efforts. CRIHB conducts ongoing diabetes-related trainings. For more infomation contact Stacey Kennedy at (916) 929-9761 or e-mail at stacey.kennedy@crihb.net.

How you can control your blood sugar

Insulin and other medications help to lower blood sugar by moving the blood sugar into the body's cells.
Medications work best when you also:

Lose weight
Exercise
Eat less fat
Eat less sugar foods & drinks

Meal Planning Tips

Space meals throughout the day
Eat foods that are high in fiber
Avoid simple sugars
Eat some low-fat protein with each meal or snack
Eat foods low in fat
Cooked foods raise blood sugar higher than raw, unpeeled foods.
Don't skip meals.
Change habits slowly
Read labels for fat and sugar content

Healthy Snacks

Cereal & Skim Milk
Cheese & Crackers
Fresh Fruit & low Fat Cottage Cheese
Graham Crackers and Skim Milk
Sugar Free Ice Cream
Peanut Butter & Rice Cakes
Popcorn
Pretzels
Sugar Free Pudding
Sandwich
Frozen Yogurt

Why Exercise?

Decrease your overall risk of cancer and heart disease
Increases your life span by about seven years
Increase your immune system function by increasing your white blood cell count
Decreases depression and anxiety
Increases mental efficiency and speed
Increases your ability to be assertive and spontaneous in the world
Increases your ability to relax deeply and promotes health sleep
Increases your insulin sensitivity (the opposite of insulin resistance, therefore decreasing your risk of adult onset diabetes, obesity and Hypertension

CRIHB · 4400 Auburn Blvd., 2nd Floor · Sacramento · CA 95841 · (916) 929-9761