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The diabetes gap

Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Feb 18/02) - Fifty years ago diabetes was unknown among aboriginal Canadians.

But the prevalence of diabetes has skyrocketed as aboriginal peoples adopt Western lifestyles and diets.

NNSL Photo

Mabel Wong uses a replica of a human liver, pancreas and a pound of fat to show what diabetes is. Some Nunavummiut travel to Yellowknife for diabetes education workshops, which Wong teaches at the Stanton Medical Centre. - Merle Robillard/NNSL photo


The disease has reached epidemic proportions among members of First Nations in Southern Canada. Experts say almost 30 per cent will acquire type 2 diabetes over the next two decades.

In comparison, rates are low among Inuit. But studies indicate this is changing.

According to the Department of Health and Social Services, only 1.5 per cent of Nunavummiut are living with diagnosed diabetes.

It sounds like a low number. But the Canadian Diabetes Association estimates that for every known case, another goes undiagnosed. And studies of Inuit in Alaska reveal a dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes.

"They have a similar genetic heritage and started changing their lifestyles earlier ... in ways the lifestyles are now changing here," said Don Ellis, director of programs for the department.

Between 1983 and 1995, the prevalence of diabetes in the American population increased by 13 per cent. Between 1983 and 1998, it grew by 142 per cent among Alaskan Inuit.

While still below the national average, the increase is troubling because the previous incidence was zero. "How many people here are at risk of diabetes?" said Ellis. "Lots."

Ellis said anecdotal evidence shows diabetes is spreading from the West to the East. "It makes sense because of the changes," he said. "It's a big population health issue."

Diabetes leads to a slow deterioration of the body. Complications, including heart disease, limb amputations and blindness can be fatal.

A major cause of diabetes is obesity, brought on by a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. And while the rate is relatively low here, a 1994 study found fitness levels in the Baffin region have deteriorated markedly in recent years.

Millions invested

The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (former Tapirisat) has called for programs to counter these alarming trends.

Health Canada has already invested millions in an aboriginal diabetes initiative, but the program has been criticized for not addressing Inuit needs.

"A lot of the programming was geared toward treatment, whereas it might be more helpful for Inuit to have a prevention program," said former Tapiriit president Okalik Eegeesiak.

The government of Nunavut does have a workplan for the use of ADI funds. Health and Social Health and Social Services is reviewing its screening processes and diabetes education and hopes to train home support workers this year.

Alice Isnor, a former executive director of the Kitikmeot Health and Social Services Board, realized she had diabetes after reading a pamphlet listing the symptoms.

She has created a proposal which the territorial government has asked Health Canada to fund. She wants Inuit organizations, health workers and other parties to meet to talk about diabetes prevention and awareness.

"The information needs to get out," she said.

Isnor did not realize her lifestyle put her at risk and believes others don't either. "I wish I had known more about it earlier. It's a slow agonizing process the way it causes your body to deteriorate. I'd like to help as many people as possible."

The toll

  • More than 2 million Canadians have diabetes
  • For every person who knows they have diabetes, there is someone who doesn't know
  • 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which usually occurs later in life
  • The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing among aboriginal children
  • Risk factors include obesity, ethnicity, family history, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and age
  • Symptoms include fatigue, thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and frequent urination
  • Every eight minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease