TORONTO — A 25-year study shows rates of diabetes among aboriginals have been rising at an alarming rate, especially for women of child-bearing age.
The study led by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found the incidence of diabetes is more than four times higher in First Nations women compared to non-First Nations women.
For men, the rate of new diabetes cases in aboriginals is well over double that of non-aboriginal men.
The study of Saskatchewan residents found new diabetes cases peak in aboriginals between ages 40 and 49, compared to a peak age of 70-plus in non-aboriginals.
Principal researcher Dr. Roland Dyck says aboriginal women in particular suffer from diabetes, with high rates among those 20- to 49-years-old.
The authors of the study say strategies to cut the diabetes rate among Canada’s aboriginals should target pregnant women and young adults.