Diabetes Mellitus in the First Nations Population of British Columbia, Canada. Part 3. Prevalence of diagnosed cases
Suzanne Johnson, David Martin, Christopher Sarin

 

ABSTRACT [full text] [back to issue 61(3)]

 

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the on-reserve Status Indian population of British Columbia based on a survey conducted in 1997 and to compare these rates with previous surveys carried out in 1987, 1992 and 1995.

Study Design: Survey questionnaires were distributed to health centres, health stations and nursing stations providing health services to the 198 First Nations reserves in British Columbia.

Results: Data were received from 82 of 198 First Nations communities(41%) representing 24,407(45% )of the on-reserve population of the province(53,893). A total of 636 cases of diabetes were identified. Seventy-seven percent of cases were age 35 plus. The overall prevalence in 1997 was 2.6% for all ages combined, more than doubled from 1.2% in 1987. First Nation’s men and women 35 and older when compared to the general population by indirect age-standardization experienced a higher prevalence ratiomales 1.27, 95% CI 1.22,1.40 and females 2.53, 95% CI: 2.77,2.58. Among those with diabetes for >20 years, 62.5% used insulin compared to 13% who had the disease <five years(622/636 reporting). Diabetic complications were reported in 48% of individuals. Diagnosed gestational diabetes was 28/1000 live births.

Conclusions: General preventive initiatives must continue including Screening, nutrition and fitness education, and improved diabetic management directed at reduction in complications. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2002; 61: 260-264)

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus (MeSH); Indians, North American (MeSH); Prevalence
(MeSH); Cross-sectional studies (MeSH)