Prevalence of diabetes among native Americans and Alaska natives, 1990-1997 - An increasing burden

OBJECTIVE - To determine trends in diabetes prevalence among Native America ns and Alaska Natives. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - From 1990 to 1997, Native Americans and Alask a Natives with diabetes were identified from the Indian Health Service (IHS ) national outpatient database, and prevalence was calculated using these c ases and estimates of the Native American and Alaskan population served by IHS and tribal health facilities. Prevalence was age-adjusted by the direct method based on the 1980 U.S. population. RESULTS - Between 1990 and 1997, the number of Native Americans and Alaska Natives of all ages with diagnosed diabetes increased from 43,262 to 64,474 individuals. Prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased by 29%. By 1997, p revalence among Native Americans and Alaska Natives was 5.4%, and the age-a djusted prevalence was 8.0%. During the entire 1990-1997 period, prevalence among women was higher than that among men, but the rate of increase was h igher among men than women (37 vs. 25%). In 1997, age-adjusted prevalence o f diabetes Varied by region and ranged from 3% in the Alaska region to 17% in the Atlantic region. The increase in prevalence between 1990 and 1997 ra nged from 16% in the Northern Plains region to 76% in the Alaska region. CONCLUSIONS - Diabetes is common among Native Americans and Alaska Natives, and it increased substantially during the 8-year period examined. Effectiv e interventions for primary secondary, and tertiary prevention are needed t o address the substantial and rapidly growing burden of diabetes among Nati ve Americans and Alaska Natives.