Type 2 diabetes is of epidemic proportions in the Native American population with Indian Health Service (IHS) prevalence estimates for reservation-based populations 2-4 times the U.S. While it is estimated that 51% of Native Americans reside in urban areas, little is known about the burden of this disease or of the availability of diabetes services in urban settings. This study assessed the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes and the availability of selected diabetes services provided in 23 U.S. urban IHS-funded health agencies. A one-page survey and consent for publication was faxed to each urban CEO and were completed by the CEO or his designee. Responses were received from 25 (83%) agencies, 2 (8%) responders gave incomplete data and were dropped from the data set. Of the 23, 15 (65%) were primary care clinics, 8 (35%) provided outreach services only. The range in number of active clients was 25 to 7852, of these the mean percentage of Native Americans was 87, and the mean number of patients with diabetes was 118. One out of 15 patients had diabetes, yielding a crude prevalence of diagnosed diabetes of 67/1000. Of the 23 programs, 25% had a diabetes coordinator or team, 29% use the IHS Diabetes Educational curriculum, and 26% participate in the annual IHS diabetes audit. Further analysis includes descriptive data regarding health care providers and services. Diabetes is a major health problem among American Indian urban communities. Expanding the availability of diabetes clinical services in urban areas needs to receive high priority.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Assess the burden of diabetes in the urban Native American population 2. Describe the services available in urban Indian Health Service(IHS) diabetes programs 3. Identify the needs of urban IHS diabetes programs
Keywords: Diabetes, Native Americans
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.