The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus Among the Métis of Western Canada

OBJECTIVES: To examine the impact of diabetes mellitus on the lives of the Métis of western Canada, and to determine the extent of co-morbidity among Métis with diabetes. DESIGN: The source of data was the Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS), conducted by Statistics Canada in 1991. The survey was administered to a representative sample of Aboriginal peoples throughout Canada. Analysis was completed on self-identified Métis participants from the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. RESULTS: Métis participants with diabetes were more likely than those without diabetes to report their health status as poor. Significantly greater numbers of Métis with diabetes reported activity limitations at work, at home and in leisure activities, the need for assistance with activities of daily living and difficulties with ambulation than did those without diabetes. The extent of co-morbidity was also significant. Métis with diabetes were almost three times more likely to report hypertension and heart problems and twice as likely to report sight impairments than were those without diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This research represents the first account of the effects of diabetes on the lives of the Métis. The APS data have provided a clear picture of the impairments in physical functioning experienced by the Métis with diabetes and the impact upon quality of life. In addition, the strong associations between diabetes and hypertension, heart problems and sight impairments suggest profound morbidity in this population that warrants prompt attention.