Project Leader:  Dr. Kathryn Koller | Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Abstract

Over 6 months, researchers will use mixed-methods and a Tribally-driven participatory research approach to assess the feasibility and acceptability of diabetes screening in the Southcentral Foundation Dental Clinic. SCF is an Alaska Native Tribal health organization responsible for providing primary care and dental services to Alaska Native people living within the urban Anchorage, Alaska area. While screening is not recommended for the general public, AN people are at increased risk for diabetes, with documented prevalence of risk factors, such as tobacco use and overweight/obesity, that are higher than the U.S. White or U.S. general populations.

Although diabetes incidence and prevalence has been lower than other U.S. populations historically, recent studies show that diabetes prevalence and incidence are rising and rates of pre-diabetes are as high, if not higher, than other U.S. groups, with 40 percent of AN diabetes undiagnosed, thus increasing risk for diabetes complications. In this study, we will query the SCF medical record to gather preliminary data on service utilization, diabetes screening, and risk factor prevalence and develop a process and data collection instruments to be used in human subjects and community review protocols.

Relevance

Prevention, diagnosis, and effective control of diabetes are major challenges for health care systems, particularly those which serve high risk populations. Study results will be used to design and implement a program aimed at early intervention to reduce the burden of undiagnosed diabetes /pre-diabetes, poorly managed diabetes, and downstream complications in a region that is home to nearly half of Alaska’s Native population.