Hypertension and diabetes among Siberian Yupik Eskimos of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska.

CHANGING DIETS AND LIFESTYLES contribute to an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Alaska Natives. To examine the problem in detail, we have begun a systematic screening of various ethnic groups by carrying out a pilot study of Siberian Yupik Eskimos ages 39 and over. Mean LDL and HDL levels were 157 mg/dl and 63 mg/dl. Mean fasting insulin was 7.0 microunits/ml; and mean BMI, 27.1. Fasting insulin level was significantly related to both diastolic blood pressure and fasting triglyceride levels, but not to systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol levels. Of the 66 people screened, 27% had evidence of hypertension.