Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases are illnesses or conditions that last three months or more, such as heart disease or diabetes. Generally, these diseases cannot be cured by medications and do not disappear on their own. American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have higher rates of chronic diseases than other ethnic groups in the United States. For example, AI/ANs are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, have a greater prevalence of obesity, and are more likely to be smokers. The resources below provide information specifically for AI/AN populations, as well as general information for chronic diseases that affect Native people at higher rates.       

• Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in Indian Country
• Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country: At a Glance 2016
• Additional Investments in Indian Country

Heart Disease

• American Indian and Alaska Native Heart Disease and Stroke Fact Sheet

Diabetes

• Native Diabetes Wellness Program

Cancer

• Cancer Incidence in American Indians and Alaska Natives
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer: For Native Americans and Alaska Natives [PDF-238KB]
• National Library of Medicine: American Indian Health Topics–Cancer

Obesity

• Defining Adult Overweight and Obesity
• Childhood Overweight and Obesity
• Indian Health Service: Healthy Weight for Life
• Health and Human Services: Obesity and American Indians/Alaska Natives