Diabetes mellitus in the First Nations population of British Columbia, Canada. Part 3. Prevalence of diagnosed cases.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the on-reserve Status Indian population of British Columbia based on a survey conducted in 1997 and to compare these rates with previous surveys carried out in 1987, 1992 and 1995.


METHODS
Survey questionnaires were distributed to health centres, health stations and nursing stations providing health services to the 198 First Nations reserves in British Columbia.


RESULTS
Data were received from 82 of 198 First Nations communities (41%) representing 24,407 (45%) of the on-reserve population of the province (53,893). A total of 636 cases of diabetes were identified. Seventy-seven percent of cases were age 35 plus. The overall prevalence in 1997 was 2.6% for all ages combined, more than doubled from 1.2% in 1987. First Nation's men and women 35 and older when compared to the general population by indirect age-standardization experienced a higher prevalence ratio-males 1.27, 95% CI 1.22, 1.40 and females 2.53, 95% CI: 2.77, 2.58. Among those with diabetes for > 20 years, 62.5% used insulin compared to 13% who had the disease < five years (622/636 reporting). Diabetic complications were reported in 48% of individuals. Diagnosed gestational diabetes was 28/1000 live births.


CONCLUSIONS
General preventive initiatives must continue including Screening, nutrition and fitness education, and improved diabetic management directed at reduction in complications.
D001955:British Columbia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003625:Data Collection; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence