Glycated hemoglobin as an indicator of social environmental stress among indigenous versus westernized populations

Background. This study assessed whether glycated hemoglobin concentration, an indicator of psychogenic stress, differs between indigenous populations and non-indigenous reference groups. Methods. Multivariate and stratified analyses were undertaken of cross-sect ional data from multi-center community-based diabetes diagnostic and risk f actor screening initiatives in Canada and Australia. Population groups were Australian Aborigines (n = 116), Torres Strait Islanders (n = 156), Native Canadians (n = 155), Creek migrants to Australia (n = 117), and Caucasian Australians (n = 67). Measurements included fasting glycated hemoglobin (Hb A(1c)) concentration, fasting and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations, bod y mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and demographic variables. Results. Mean HbA(1c) concentrations were greater for indigenous groups tha n for Creek migrants and Caucasian Australians (P < 0.0001). The covariate adjusted indigenous versus non-indigenous difference (95% CI) was 0.90 (0.5 8-1.22) percentage units, 18.2% higher for indigenous people, Stratified an alyses indicated greater HbA(1c) for indigenous than for non-indigenous per sons with normoglycemia (P = 0.009), impaired glucose tolerance (P = 0.097) , and diabetes (P < 0.0001). Conclusions. HbA(1c) concentrations are greater for indigenous than for non -indigenous groups. Social changes, low control, and living conditions asso ciated with westernization may be inherently stressful at the biological le vel for indigenous populations in westernized countries. (C) 1999 American Health Foundation and Academic Press.