Indians in Southwest see high rates of diabetes


More than a quarter of Native Americans in the Southwest suffer from diabetes, according to the National Indian Health Board.

The board says Native Americans are 2.6 times more likely to suffer from the disease than any other racial or ethnic group. In some Native communities, 50 percent to 60 percent are diabetic.

But the disease is entirely preventable and can be treated if managed properly through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Evangeline Sam, a member of the Navajo Nation, is doing that after she was diagnosed four months ago.

"I want to live longer," Sam told The Farmington Daily Times.

Get the Story:
Waging war against diabetes (The Farmington Daily Times 4/9)

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