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.
- CDC and Indian Countrypdf icon[PDF – 12 MB]
- 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
Diabetes
Cancer
- Cancer Incidence in American Indians and Alaska Natives
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer: For Native Americans and Alaska Nativespdf icon[PDF-238KB]
- National Library of Medicine: American Indian Health Topics–Cancerexternal icon
Obesity
Page last reviewed: December 21, 2018
Content source: Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support