Diabetes incidence rates are at least two to five times higher in aboriginals than the general population. Yet, Richard Oster, a senior research coordinator for the Believing we can Reduce Aboriginal Incidence of Diabetes (BRAID) research group at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, has found that a stronger connection to culture in Alberta's First Nations communities resulted in fewer cases of diabetes. BRAID Research is led by Dr Ellen L. Toth, an ADI principal investigator.
"Our study provides proof of something First Nations people have known for thousands of years-that health and culture are inseparable."
Jan Hux, chief science officer for the Canadian Diabetes Association. "The disturbingly rapid growth of diabetes prevalence in these communities has been attributed in part to the adoption of a Western lifestyle. The study supports this interpretation and sheds light on an important structural factor-cultural continuity-that might moderate the risk of diabetes for Aboriginal communities. Further studies will be needed to examine which components of cultural continuity are most important in helping prevent diabetes and how they can be fostered and preserved." The Canadian Diabetes Association helped fund the research. For more details please visit the UA News article Rediscovering a culture of health