Why Am I at Higher Risk of Getting Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a combination of your body not being able to use the insulin it produces, and not producing enough insulin. It is strongly related to environmental factors such as nutrition, physical inactivity and obesity. Genetically Aboriginal Canadians have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Currently scientists believe that this is due a “thrifty genotype”. This is based on the idea that in the past aboriginal people lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, where they were very active while searching for food. This caused aboriginal people to develop genes that allowed them to effectively store a lot of energy during times of plenty, and helped them survive when food was scarce.
Currently, many aboriginal people do not live a traditional lifestyle, and eat a very different diet, and are often less physically active. Aboriginal peoples are exposed to foods that are high in calories, fat, sugar. This high calorie diet combined with the “thrifty genotype” results in higher rates of obesity, which contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes.1
Risk of Complications
Aboriginal peoples in Canada have higher rates of diabetes complications than other Canadians.2 A study done in 2005 found that Aboriginal Canadians are especially susceptible to kidney-related complications, as well as diabetic neuropathy.2 This increased rate of complications is thought to be due to younger onset of diabetes, greater severity of diabetes, and decreased access to healthcare services. 2
What Can I Do?
While you can’t change your genetics, leading a healthy active lifestyle can help you prevent diabetes, or reduce your risk of diabetes complications if you have been diagnosed.
Healthy Eating is the first step in preventing and managing your diabetes. A healthy diet can include the following choices:
- Wild meats such as caribou, deer, moose, and fish;
- Whole grain bread products, bannock, and pasta; and
- A variety of fruits and vegetables.
It is also important to have portion sizes that help you maintain a healthy body weight. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt, such as chips, cookies, candy, and fast food. You can also try to use healthy cooking methods such as baking, broiling, grilling, or steaming.
Being physically active is also an important part of diabetes prevention and management. Some easy choices to increase your physical activity can include:
- Make getting active a family affair – go for walks, fishing, or hunting together;
- Walk or ride your bike to school or work; and
- Try new activities such as dancing, jogging, or hiking.
It is recommended that everyone get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. You may need to build up to this slowly, but keep working towards your goal.
Research and Initiatives
Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI)
Currently in its third phase the ADI is focused on reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes through health promotion, prevention, screening and treatment services, provided by registered healthcare professionals and community workers.
Local Support
Edmonton
Alberta Health Services Aboriginal Diabetes Wellness Program Provides culturally relevant education on diabetes self-management.