The Growing Epidemic of Diabetes Among the Indigenous Population of Canada: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the most well-known and well-researched non-communicable diseases known to humankind. The goal of this article is to show that the prevalence of diabetes is constantly increasing among indigenous people, a major population subgroup in Canada. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review, and the databases used were PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies that were published in the last 15 years (2007-2022) were selected for this review, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, screening, and removing duplicates, 10 articles were selected for the final review -three qualitative studies, three observational studies, and four studies without a specified methodology. We used the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) checklist, NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) checklist, and SANRA (Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review) checklist for quality assessment. We found that all the articles showed that the prevalence of diabetes is increasing in all the Aboriginal communities despite all the interventional programs already in place. Rigorous health plans, health education, and wellness clinics for primary prevention can all be effective in reducing the potential risks of diabetes. More studies exploring the prevalence, effects, and outcomes of diabetes in the indigenous population of Canada are needed to effectively understand the disease and its complications in this group.

Enhancing Diabetes Care And Preventing Foot Ulcers In Indigenous Communities: Two Examples Of A Holistic Approach In The Province of Quebec

“…Indigenous populations face an alarming disparity in diabetes prevalence, with early onset and severe complications. 4 Geographical disparities hinder access to specialized diabetes care and resources.…”

The Effect of Community-Based Exercise on Health Outcomes for Indigenous Peoples with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review

“…T2D significantly contributes to the substantial disease burden among Indigenous populations worldwide. It is noteworthy that more than 50% of Indigenous peoples aged 35 and above are affected by this condition [ 7 , 24 ]. T2D involves the body becoming resistant to the effects of insulin and/or producing less insulin from the pancreas [ 18 , 23 ].…”