Celebrating Indigenous Communities During Canadian Indigenous History Month: Understanding the Link to T2D

Key Highlights:

✅ Indigenous Peoples are diagnosed with T2D younger and face more complications.

✅ Food insecurity, poverty, and trauma fuel higher diabetes rates.

✅ Community-led efforts promote traditional foods and prevention.

✅ Indigenous-focused training helps providers deliver culturally safe care.

✅ Providers can advance equity through education and advocacy.

🎧 Prefer to listen? Tune into the podcast version of this blog postCreated by Monica Podcast AI

0:00

As we celebrate Canadian Indigenous History Month, it is essential to reflect on the unique challenges that Indigenous communities face when it comes to health, particularly with regard to chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes (T2D).

This month provides an opportunity not only to honor the rich history and culture of Indigenous Peoples but also to recognize the significant health disparities they continue to experience.

Indigenous populations in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, have been disproportionately affected by T2D. Indigenous Peoples experience rates of T2D that are three to five times higher than the general population. A systematic review of Canadian evidence reports that diabetes rates among adults living on reserves can be as high as 17.2%, compared to 5% in the general Canadian population.

In Canada, age-standardized prevalence rates for diabetes (type 1 & 2) in Indigenous populations, compared to 5.0% in the general population.

Indigenous people are being diagnosed with T2D at younger ages, often around 12 years old, with more severe symptoms at onset, higher rates of complications, and less favorable treatment outcomes.

These figures are alarming, but they also highlight the need for targeted action to address the root causes of these disparities.

Root Causes: The Impact of Social Determinants of Health

The rise of T2D among Indigenous communities cannot be understood without considering the broader context of social determinants of health. Factors like food insecurity, poverty, limited access to healthcare, and historical trauma, including the impacts of colonization and residential schools, have all contributed to the higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Food insecurity, in particular, is a significant issue. Many Indigenous communities, especially those in remote areas, have limited access to nutritious foods, which plays a direct role in the development of T2D.

Research conducted in Canada highlights that the prevalence and severity of household food insecurity among Indigenous households are approximately 2 to 6 times higher than those of non-Indigenous households, varying by geographic location and living conditions. For instance, the lack of access to culturally relevant, affordable, and healthy food has led to dietary changes that contribute to poor health outcomes, including T2D.

Moreover, the impact of historical trauma cannot be overlooked. However, progress is tangible. A report from the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health highlights progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada, building on a 2018 assessment and covering 17 goals across five thematic areas.

Indigenous Resilience: A Legacy of Strength and Community

Despite the significant challenges, Indigenous communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. From the revitalization of traditional foods and healing practices to the implementation of community-led health initiatives, Indigenous Peoples continue to show strength in combating T2D.

Hear the lived experience of Sasha and her family, a patient partner of Diabetes Action Canada.

The National Aboriginal Diabetes Association (NADA) has been at the forefront of diabetes prevention and management, providing culturally appropriate resources, advocacy, and education. NADA’s programs are empowering Indigenous communities by promoting traditional food systems and healthy eating practices rooted in cultural identity.

Additionally, Indigenous-led initiatives like the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training are working to equip healthcare providers with the skills needed to offer culturally safe and effective care. These programs are not only crucial for improving health outcomes but also for fostering trust between healthcare providers and Indigenous communities.

Indigenous communities have also turned to creative solutions, like Indigenous Food Projects Initiatives in BC, which works to promote food sovereignty and provide access to traditional, nutritious foods. These grassroots efforts are helping to rebuild food systems that are both healthy and sustainable, supporting communities in their journey toward better health.

The Role of Healthcare Providers

As healthcare professionals, it is essential to be aware of the unique health needs of Indigenous populations, particularly when it comes to T2D. Understanding the social, cultural, and historical factors that contribute to these health disparities is the first step in providing equitable and effective care.

Healthcare providers must engage with Indigenous communities in a culturally competent and respectful manner. This means not only being aware of the cultural practices and traditions that shape health behaviors but also actively listening to community members and empowering them to take control of their health.

There are a selection of resources to support you in your practice. The National Aboriginal Diabetes Association (NADA) is an Indigenous-led organization committed to diabetes prevention and management through culturally relevant education, advocacy, community programming, and resources such as toolkits, webinars, and community stories tailored to Indigenous populations. The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) offers evidence-based reports and tools focused on Indigenous health, including the prevention of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and their social determinants. The Canadian Medical Association – Indigenous Health section provides physicians with policy frameworks and clinical tools to support culturally responsive care and promote health equity. The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) draws upon ancestral knowledge and community connection to support Indigenous medical students, residents, and physicians through mentorship, advocacy, and health resources that promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

When last did you refresh your familiarity of the Diabetes Canada guidelines for T2D in Indigenous Peoples? Here's a short recap.

By incorporating cultural safety training and advocating for improved access to care, healthcare professionals can play a vital role in reducing the prevalence of T2D among Indigenous Peoples. It is also crucial to collaborate with community leaders and organizations, such as NADA, to ensure that healthcare practices are aligned with the needs and values of Indigenous communities.

Where to From Here

As we recognize Canadian Indigenous History Month, let us commit to deepening our understanding of the health challenges faced by Indigenous communities. By supporting culturally safe and appropriate care, we can help reduce the burden of T2D and other chronic conditions. Through education, awareness, and partnership, we can work toward a future where all Canadians, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

For healthcare providers, this is an invitation to engage in ongoing learning and to advocate for Indigenous health. The resilience and strength of Indigenous communities are a testament to the power of culture, tradition, and collective action. Let’s honor that resilience by doing our part in improving the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

Join Us