American Indian people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more likely to have a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than those without T2D. A new study in Cherokee Nation citizens from Oklahoma finds that this increased risk may be due to things that influence psychological or social wellbeing, collectively called psychosocial factors. Some psychosocial factors that may lower HRQoL include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), lack of social support, or low levels of resilience. Addressing these factors could improve HRQoL for American Indian people with diabetes.

NIMHD’s Conversations with Researchers Advancing Health Equity

November is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. As we celebrate the significant contributions to America—from its history through present day—by people who represent Native communities, we recognize researchers who are promoting health equity through their work to advance the science of minority health and health disparities.

Conversation with Julie A.

Gloria Ann Begay, MA, has dedicated much of her life advocating for Native American food security and sovereignty. A member of the Navajo Nation, she is the Executive Director of the Diné Food Sovereignty Alliance (DFSA) and works with local Navajo community leaders to develop long-term strategies to ensure Navajo food security. “We look at how we can restore our food system,” says Gloria. “Ninety percent or more of our food is imported and that’s not the Navajo food system.”

The chance of dying from a firearm injury, drug overdose, or motor vehicle accident (MVA) is much higher in the United States than in other countries. Many of these causes of early death are preventable. Studies have shown that men are more likely than women to die from MVAs.