Exploring the Diabetes Crisis in Indigenous Communities Through the Lens of Film and Innovation

In the Academy Award-nominated film Killers of the Flower Moon, lead actress Lily Gladstone portrays Osage-tribe resident Molly Burkhart, a woman grappling with diabetes. Set in the 1920s, the film highlights the challenges of managing a chronic disease that has disproportionately affected Indigenous populations. The character’s journey includes self-administering insulin, with her husband, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, offering support. This poignant representation underscores a larger public health issue: Indigenous peoples are currently diagnosed with diabetes at a rate three times higher than their non-Hispanic white counterparts, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Diabetes: A Chronic Health Challenge

Diabetes has long been a public health challenge, especially within Indigenous communities that experience alarmingly high prevalence rates. According to the Indian Health Service (IHS), approximately 13% to 15% of Indigenous peoples are diagnosed with diabetes, nearly double the rate of 7.5% among non-Hispanic whites. A recent study from UCI Public Health found that type 2 diabetes is most persistent among indigenous groups, with a staggering 98.06% of those studied diagnosed with this disease.

Several socio-economic factors contribute to these statistics. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 48% of Indigenous adults over 18 are obese, a significant risk factor for diabetes. Coupled with higher poverty and unemployment rates, these health disparities significantly affect the quality of life and early disease onset. Dr. Luohua Jiang, an epidemiology professor at UCI, points out that early intervention and lifestyle changes are crucial in reversing these trends.

The Role of Community-Based Programs

Innovative community programs focusing on culturally-sensitive interventions have been linked to improved health outcomes. Successful implementations engage Indigenous families, educate them about healthy living, and incorporate traditional diets. However, attendance remains a challenge, often hindered by coexisting health issues like depression, which is prevalent in these communities.

Where Does Big Pharma Stand?

Despite the growing need for effective diabetes interventions tailored for Indigenous populations, the participation of Big Pharma companies remains limited. Dr. Spero Manson, director of the Centers for American Indian and Alaskan Native Health, notes that collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and public health organizations could yield significant benefits for both parties.

For successful collaboration, companies must focus on cultural and societal norms within Indigenous communities. This involves identifying community leaders who can help facilitate participation and trust. Engaging all genders and centering programs around Indigenous traditions can also lead to better outcomes.

Access to Treatments and Innovative Solutions

While IHS provides essential diabetes treatments, the agency is often underfunded and unable to offer the latest products available on the market. Compounding this challenge is a prevalent mistrust between Indigenous peoples and healthcare providers, which pharmaceutical companies must address for better engagement. Establishing a significant presence in communities, utilizing Indigenous point persons, and collaborating with organizations like the IHS and the National Indian Health Board are essential steps to closing the accessibility gap.

Exploring Profit-Sharing Opportunities

Building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities can yield long-term advantages for pharmaceutical companies. A notable example is the 2017 collaboration between Allegran and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. The agreement not only secured patents for Allegran but also provided the tribe with financial benefits and a share of royalties, creating a profit-sharing model that serves both interests.

Similar practices are gaining traction, with companies like Variant Bio collaborating with Indigenous groups in New Zealand for genetic research. The impetus for profit-sharing relationships is growing, providing both pharmaceutical companies and tribal communities a way to engage beneficially while ensuring that the unique health challenges faced by Indigenous populations are adequately addressed.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap

The diabetes epidemic within Indigenous populations underscores the necessity for improved healthcare access and innovative treatment options. The collaboration between community leaders and pharmaceutical companies is pivotal in creating culturally-relevant, effective interventions. By engaging respectfully and effectively with Indigenous communities, pharmaceutical companies can pave the way for better health outcomes while exploring viable business opportunities. Ultimately, this approach not only benefits the companies but also actively contributes to healing and supporting some of the most historically marginalized populations in the United States.