Obesity in the Pima Indians: its magnitude and relationship with diabetes

Article Abstract:

Obesity is a major health problem among many minority populations; it affects a large number of people and is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Several studies have reported that the incidence of diseases associated with obesity is greater among minority populations than the general US population. An example of this is the high incidence of diabetes (NIDDM, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) among Pima Indians. To investigate the relationship between obesity and age, gender, NIDDM, and mortality in Pima Indians, body weight and height measurements were collected over a 24-year study period from 1965 to 1988. These data were compared with data from the US white population obtained during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1976 to 1980). The results of this investigation show that obesity is more common among Pima Indians than in the US population. The incidence of obesity among Pima Indians increased between 1981 and 1988 for males and females of all ages, when compared with the 1965 to 1972 period. The offspring of the heaviest parents showed the greatest increase in body weight between the ages of 19 and 44, indicating that obesity is familial. Approximately half of the adult Pima Indian population had diabetes, and mortality was highest for those who were extremely obese. It is concluded that the incidence of obesity among Pima Indians is increasing, especially among the young. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Obesity

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Type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease

Article Abstract:

Adult-onset (type 2) diabetes mellitus is the more common form of diabetes. Patients with this type of diabetes generally do not use insulin but, instead, control their blood sugars through diet and oral hypoglycemic medications, which lower blood sugar. Because type 2 diabetes can cause various medical complications, this study was conducted to evaluate whether diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease. This progressive disease of the gums and bone tissue supporting the teeth can lead to tooth loss; the first stage is known as gingivitis, meaning inflamed gums. The possible correlation between periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes was evaluated among the Pima Indians, who live in the southwestern United States. This group has the highest incidence of type 2 diabetes in the world; half the population over 35 years of age has the disease. A total of 2,878 individuals had dental examinations designed to diagnose periodontal disease. Based on two diagnostic signs (loss of bone tissue and loss of attachment of the tooth to the socket), periodontal disease was found to be more common among type 2 diabetics than nondiabetics in the three age groups studied (ages 5 to 24, 25 to 44, and over 45 years). Researchers, who studied these findings and the results of other studies, concluded that type 1 (insulin-dependent) and type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Type 2 diabetes, Periodontal disease, Periodontal diseases, Tooth loss, Gingivitis

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Increased mortality with gallstone disease: results of a 20-year population-based survey in Pima Indians

Article Abstract:

Gallstone disease among Pima Indians is associated with higher death rates due to cancer and higher overall death rates. While gallstones are rarely life-threatening, they are the major risk factor for gallbladder cancer and have been linked with other diseases including diabetes and heart disease. Pima Indians are known to have a high incidence of gallstones that generally appear early in life. A 20-year follow-up study of 383 Pima Indians found that 60% of those who either had gallstones or had previously had gallstones removed died compared with only 33% of those without gallstone disease. The death rate due to cancer was six times higher among individuals with gallstone disease than among those without. Of the 20 fatal cases of cancer among patients with gallstone disease, 11 originated in the digestive tract, and of those, six involved the gallbladder or bile ducts.

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Gallstones

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