Diabetes in American Indians. An overview.
OBJECTIVE
To review the growth of diabetes as a major health problem for American Indians and Alaska Natives.


METHODS
Pertinent studies of diabetes in Indians previously published are reviewed and compared with current data.


RESULTS
Although diabetes rates may vary among different Indian tribes, diabetes has become a widespread health problem.


CONCLUSIONS
Our understanding of the natural history of diabetes among Indians has improved, but better strategies to prevent complications and ultimately to prevent diabetes are urgently needed in Indian communities.
Gohdes
D
D
Indian Health Service Diabetes Program, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102.
Kaufman
S
S
Valway
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D005006:Ethnicity; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D009026:Mortality; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology