HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES AMONG SIBERIAN YUPIK ESKIMOS OF ST-LAWRENCEISLAND, ALASKA

CHANGING DIETS AND LIFESTYLES contribute to an increase in the prevale nce of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Alaska Natives. To exami ne the problem in detail, we have begun a systematic screening of vari ous ethnic groups by carrying out a pilot study of Siberian Yupik Eski mos ages 39 and over. Mean LDL and HDL levels were 157 mg/dl and 63 mg /dl. Mean fasting insulin was 7.0 microunits/ml; and mean BMI, 27.1. F asting insulin level was significantly related to both diastolic blood pressure and fasting triglyceride levels, but not to systolic blood p ressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol levels . Of the 66 people screened, 27% had evidence of hypertension.