A diabetes epidemic is affecting First Nations people, especially women in their prime reproductive years, according to a new study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). The incidence of diabetes was more than 4 times higher in First Nations women compared to non-First Nations women
First Nations Diabetes in Canada
"What is clear is that the rapid appearance of type 2 diabetes particularly among First Nations people and other indigenous and developing populations has been precipitated by environmental rather than genetic factors," state the authors. "Its long term solution will require effective primary prevention initiatives that are population-based and driven by public health and community initiatives."
Maybe the authors would like to consider the genetic vulnerability of the First Nations ethnic groups, as we are seeing in South Asian ethnic groups... Then we could consider the combination of environment and genetics - acknowledging the complexity of the epidemic.
The community initiatives are building, but only with advocacy.
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