A Qualitative Investigation of Physical Activity Challenges and Opportunities in a Northern-rural, Aboriginal Community
Kirby, Allison M Levesque, Lucie Wabano, Virgina
Kirby, Allison M
Levesque, Lucie
Wabano, Virgina
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Introduction While Aboriginal peoples in Canada represent a small percentage of the overall population, they are over-represented in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes with national age-adjusted rates of type 2 diabetes being three to five times greater than in the general population (Young et al., 2000). Given the chronic nature of diabetes and the severity of its related complications, current efforts are focusing on primary prevention strategies to impact upon the incidence of type 2 diabetes (Macaulay et al., 2003). Primary prevention is defined as the prevention of a disease by targeting or controlling modifiable risk factors (World Health Organization, 1994). There is compelling scientific evidence available which suggests that a positive change in lifestyle can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes as well as alleviate the symptoms of those who already suffer from the disease (Williamson et al., 2004). Modest weight loss resulting from sustained lifestyle interventions that include alterations in both dietary habits and physical activity involvement can reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in high-risk persons by 40% to 60% over 3–4 years (Williamson et al., 2004). In addition, physical activity can provide protection against type 2 diabetes that can be largely independent of alterations in body composition including improved insulin levels and glucose control (Sharpe et al., 2004).
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2007
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With permission of the license/copyright holder