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The serious complications of diabetes are increasing in frequency among Native Americans. Of major concern are increasing rates of kidney failure, amputations and blindness. Of equal concern is the fact that Type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, is increasingly being discovered in Native American youth.
Ten to twenty-one percent of all people with diabetes develop kidney disease. In 1995, 27,900 people initiated treatment of end stage renal disease (kidney failure) because of diabetes. Among people with diabetes, the rate of diabetic end stage renal disease is six times higher in Native Americans.
Diabetes is the most frequent cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations. The risk of leg amputation is 15 to 40 times greater for a person with diabetes. Each year 54,000 people lose their foot or leg to diabetes. Amputation rates among Native Americans are 3-4 times higher than the general population.
A healthy diet and exercise are two of the most important weapons in the fight against diabetes. Your participation is important to ensure that decision-makers take the necessary action to change the food items available to our communities through the Commodities Program. Take action today!
Credit: Awakening the Spirit, American Diabetes Association
Copyright 2007. Indigenous Internet Chamber of Commerce
The serious complications of diabetes are increasing in frequency among Native Americans. Of major concern are increasing rates of kidney failure, amputations and blindness. Of equal concern is the fact that Type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, is increasingly being discovered in Native American youth.