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Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes in Indigenous Communities in the United States

  • Diabetes Epidemiology (HC Yeh, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The present review focuses on the epidemiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Indigenous communities in the continental United States (U.S.)—including disease prevention and management—and discusses special considerations in conducting research with Indigenous communities.

Recent Findings

Previous studies have reported the disparately high prevalence of diabetes, especially T2D, among Indigenous peoples in the U.S. The high prevalence and incidence of early-onset T2D in Indigenous youth relative to that of all youth in the U.S. population pose challenges to the prevention of complications of diabetes.

Summary

Behavioral, dietary, lifestyle, and genetic factors associated with T2D in Indigenous communities are often investigated. More limited is the discussion of the historical and ongoing consequences of colonization and displacement that impact the aforementioned risk factors. Future research is necessary to assess community-specific needs with respect to diabetes prevention and management across the diversity of Indigenous communities in the U.S.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 1550 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85014, USA

    Lauren E. Wedekind, Cassie M. Mitchell, Coley C. Andersen, William C. Knowler & Robert L. Hanson

  2. Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK

    Lauren E. Wedekind

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  1. Lauren E. Wedekind
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  2. Cassie M. Mitchell
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Wedekind, L.E., Mitchell, C.M., Andersen, C.C. et al. Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes in Indigenous Communities in the United States. Curr Diab Rep 21, 47 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-021-01406-3

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