Type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in American Indians aged 5-40 years: the Cherokee diabetes study.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and to study several potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes among Oklahoma Cherokees aged 5 to 40 years.


METHODS
A random sample of 2205 members of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma aged 5 to 40 years was recruited. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Type 2 diabetes and IFG were determined using the 1997 American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Relationships between type 2 diabetes and potential risk factors were examined by univariate and multivariate regression methods.


RESULTS
According to ADA criteria, the age-adjusted prevalence proportions of type 2 diabetes were 4.3% in females and 4.8% in males. Among the 89 individuals who had type 2 diabetes, 31 were newly diagnosed. Thirty-two (1.5%, 18 females and 14 males) were found to have IFG. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and IFG increased with age, number of parents with diabetes, obesity, degree of Indian heritage, high triglyceride value, and low HDL cholesterol.


CONCLUSIONS
The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in young American Indians is alarming. The findings must be disseminated to the Indian communities and their health care providers. Preventive measures and early detection programs must be designed and implemented for children and adolescents in this population.
Lee
Elisa T
ET
Center for American Indian Health Research, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA. elisa-lee@ouhsc.edu
Begum
Momotaz
M
Wang
Wenyu
W
Blackett
Piers R
PR
Blevins
Kathleen S
KS
Stoddart
Martha
M
Tolbert
Bernadine
B
Alaupovic
Petar
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology