Prevalence of diagnosed diabetes and selected related conditions of six reservations in Montana and Wyoming.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of diabetes and related complications in Plains Indians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND

METHODS

The medical records of individuals with diagnosed diabetes seen in IHS facilities before 1 January 1987 were reviewed. Records were obtained from primary care clinics and hospitals accessible to the following six reservation communities in Montana and Wyoming: Blackfeet, Crow, Fort Belknap, Fort Peck, Northern Cheyenne, and Wind River. Medical records were reviewed to ascertain accuracy of diagnosis and associated complications.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted prevalence rate of diagnosed diabetes was 119/1000 adults > or = 15 yr of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes rates in Plains Indians are higher than rates described for the general U.S. population.