PREVALENCE OF DIAGNOSED DIABETES AND SELECTED RELATED CONDITIONS OF 6 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 greater-than-or-equal-to 15 yr of age. CONCLUSIONS - Diabetes rates in Plains Indians are higher than rates described for die general U.S. population.