Committee on Indian Affairs United State

Native Youth Committee on Indian Affairs United State

In 1997, Congress authorized the Special Diabetes Program for Indians to address the extraordinary prevalence of diabetes among Indians. It is now in its twentieth year and up for reauthorization. This program has demonstrated significant inroads in reducing diabetes and its complications, such as limb amputations, heart disease and kidney failure. However, there is still more work to be done. Indian people have a greater chance of being diagnosed with diabetes than any other racial or ethnic group in the Country. It is the fifth leading cause of death for Native people. This disease is now afflicting the youth. Native youth are reportedly nine times higher than non-Hispanic whites to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and the related complications of heart disease, kidney failure, and other diseases. Obesity is one indicator for the future risk of becoming diabetic. If it is not decreasing, then before reauthorization, the program must be examined to determine how well it is serving the Native American youth. Type 2 diabetes is both preventable and manageable, particularly through healthy living. Healthier lifestyles can help improve blood glucose levels, decrease obesity rates, lower blood pressure, and decrease bad cholesterol levels.