Culturally appropriate programs that build on the strengths and knowledge of Indigenous communities are crucial for reducing the burden of Type 2 diabetes among young people, a University of Queensland study has found.
Dr Edmund Wedam Kanmiki and Professor Abdullah A. Mamun, from UQ’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, led a systematic review of research investigating programs aiming to prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes among Indigenous people under the age of 25.
“Twenty-five studies involving 4594 Indigenous children and young adults were included in our final analysis,” Dr Kanmiki said.
“First Nations children and young adults are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes much earlier in life than their non-Indigenous counterparts and the incidence is rising.
“Extended periods of high blood sugar…