PREVALENCE OF DIABETES AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS IN ONEIDA INDIANS

The study objective was to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellit us among Oneida Indians and to identify factors associated with the de velopment of medical complications. After identifying patients with di abetes (N=373) treated at the Oneida Community Health Center, their me dical records were reviewed to determine age, body mass index (BMI), t ypes of medication used, HbAlc, and the presence of diabetic complicat ions. The age and sex-adjusted prevalence of diabetes was 86.5/1000 po pulation. Where type of diabetes could be determined (N=345) 96% were non-insulin dependent; 67% were afflicted with diabetic complications, 56% had hypertension. Age, BMI, and HbAlc were significant variables with respect to the presence of certain complications. Although lower than the prevalence for some other groups of Native Americans, diabete s and its complications represent a serious problem for the Oneida Ind ians. Consistent screening, intensive intervention and culture-sensiti ve prevention efforts focussing on weight control are needed.