Diabetes rates for aboriginals rising, especially among young women

Published on January 19, 2010; Published on February 24, 2010
The Canadian Press ~ The News

Topics :: First Nations , University of Saskatchewan , Canadian Medical Association Journal , TORONTO , Saskatchewan , Canada

TORONTO - A 25-year study shows rates of diabetes among aboriginals have been rising at an alarming rate, especially for women of child-bearing age.

The study led by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found the incidence of diabetes is more than four times higher in First Nations women compared to non-First Nations women.

For men, the rate of new diabetes cases in aboriginals is well over double that of non-aboriginal men.

The study of Saskatchewan residents found new diabetes cases peak

in aboriginals between ages 40 and 49, compared to a peak age of 70-plus in non-aboriginals.

Principal researcher Dr. Roland Dyck says aboriginal women in particular suffer from diabetes, with high rates among those 20- to 49-years-old.

The authors of the study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal say strategies to cut the diabetes rate among Canada's aboriginals should target pregnant women, children and young adults.

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