Higher Incidence of Diabetes Among the American Indians and Alaskan Essay

Higher Incidence of Diabetes Among the American Indians and Alaskan Natives - Essay Example Although the exact cause of this finding may vary from one case to another, it appears that genetic differences and racial or ethnic differences play a major role in this regard. Diabetes is affecting the lives of certain groups of the American population in a disproportionate manner and is, therefore, resulting in a number of health-related, social and financial problems; not only for the individuals suffering from the disease but also for those who are directly or indirectly involved with the patients. Diabetes is relatively more common among the American Indians and Alaskan Natives (Joslin and Kahn 514). The exact cause of why this disease affects these populations disproportionately is as yet unknown. With the passage of time, this disease is becoming more and more common among the people of young age belonging to these races and ethnicities. The prevalence of the diabetic disease is three times higher in American Indians and Alaskan Natives as compared to other American adults of similar ages. It is therefore essential to take corrective actions regarding prevention of diabetes in this population. As compared to other minorities, American Indian and Alaskan natives are extremely small in number and the term is used to refer to individuals having origins in the original people of South America and other people of the North that maintain tribal affiliation. The largest population of American Indians and Alaskan natives resides in California, Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Washington, Alaska, and Michigan. Alaskan villages harbor the majority of Alaskan natives (Shinagawa & Jang 98).