How common is diabetes in Native Americans and Alaska Natives?

Consider these sobering statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Indian Health Service:

• 2.2 times higher -- Likelihood of American Indians and Alaska Natives to have diabetes compared with non-Hispanic whites

• 95% -- Percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives with diabetes who have type 2 diabetes (as opposed to type 1 diabetes)

• 30% -- Estimated percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives who have pre-diabetes

American Indians and Alaska Natives are clearly at greater risk. Educate yourself on how to prevent type 2 diabetes if you don't have it now, or how to effectively treat it if you've been diagnosed.