Type 2 diabetes in First Nation children: A collaborative effort to assess and prevent disease

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes occurs in special groups of children. One of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the world occurs in First Nation people. Screening of First Nation children has been recommended. To diagnose diabetes earlier and prevent complications in adulthood, a program of screening and primary prevention of First Nation people must begin with children. One hundred fifteen school-aged First Nation children were approached to participate in the present study, and 93% of the children completed the study. Eight (7%) of the study participants had abnormal capillary blood glucose levels, but no cases of type 2 diabetes were confirmed. Risk factors related to exercise, diet, blood pressure and body mass index were identified. The present paper describes a collaborative program with a small Paediatric Diabetic Education Center and the Beausoleil First Nation people.