Diabetes Mellitus in Alaskan Yup'ik Eskimos and Athabascan Indians after 25 Yr
- Neil J Murphy, MD,
- Cynthia D Schraer, MD,
- Lisa R Bulkow, MS,
- Edward J Boyko, MD, MPH and
- Anne P Lanier, MD, MPH
- Alaska Area Native Health Service Anchorage; the Centers for Disease Control Anchorage, Alaska; University of Washington Seattle, Washington; and St. Luke's Hospital Kansas City, Missouri
- Address Correspondence and reprint requests to Cynthia Schraer, MD, A.N.M.C 255 Gambell Street, Anchorage, AK 99501.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and overweight in two populations of Alaska Natives and to compare the results with previous data.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants' heights, weights, and random plasma glucose levels were determined. Those with a glucose of ≥ 6.72 mM received a follow-up glucose-tolerance test, interpreted by WHO criteria. Overweight was defined by National Center for Health Statistics criteria and also by criteria used in previous studies. The subjects were Eskimo and Athabascan residents ≥ 40 yr of age in 15 villages in southwestern Alaska.
RESULTS Diabetes prevalence was 4.7% for Eskimos and 10.0% for Indians. Among Eskimo men and women, the prevalence of overweight was 34 and 56%, respectively, among Indian men and women, it was 29 and 55%, respectively. Comparisons with past data indicate that the prevalence of diabetes has increased from 1.7% in 1962 for Eskimos and 1.8% in 1969 for Indians.
CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of diabetes appears to have increased among Eskimos and Indians in Alaska. Overweight appears to be a significant problem in both groups.
- Received October 24, 1991.
- Accepted April 16, 1992.
- Copyright © 1992 by the American Diabetes Association
