Rooting Out the Causes of Disease: Why Diabetes is so Common Among Desert Dwellers Ch. 31

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Diabetes is an insidious disease that plagues many adults, but specific populations are at far greater risk. Among these populations are Native Americans. Two specific indigenous groups that have suffered from adult-onset diabetes are the Navajo of the United States and the Seri of Mexico. Author Gary Nabhan and His wife Laurie Monti set out to connect some of the dots to why so many indigenous people are developing adult-onset diabetes and sadly dying. After speaking to residents in Punta Chueca. Mexico, it was determined that many of the locals had deviated from their traditional diets. They had more accessibility to fast-food restaurants and mini-marts. In the past, their diets had traditionally come from the desert and the nearby sea. Many of the locals also consumed larger amounts of alcohol and cigarettes.

When looking at traditional desert food, A endocrinologist named Jennie Brand-Miller determined with some of her students that items such as desert legumes, cacti, and acorns were considered to be “Slow-release foods.” These types of foods are compatible with insulin production and do not lead to high sugar spikes. When compared with fast-food, the risk of developing diabetes is much lower. In the past these slow release types of foods had allowed people to stay healthy and free from health issues such as diabetes.

In many cases, our society is disconnected from the natural resources our Earth has to offer. Many indigenous eating traditions have been replaced with quick alternatives such as fast food. People don’t spend as much time outside connecting with the elements. Because of this disconnection, our society continues to see more illnesses such as diabetes. Fortunately, some of the older practices are being recognized as a source for greater vitality with awareness. Although diabetes is problematic for many native Americans, education and awareness are on the rise.

The high rates of diabetes in Native Populations can be looked at through conflict theory. The more available fast food options and convenience stores aid in higher consumption of unhealthy foods which leads to greater chances of health problems like diabetes.

Nabhan, G. (2019). Rooting Out the Causes of Disease: Why Diabetes is So Common Among Desert Dwellers. C. Counihan, P. V. Esterik, & A. Julier (Authors), Food and culture: A reader (pp. 450-461). New York, NY: Routledge.