Glycated Hemoglobin as an Indicator of Social Environmental Stress among Indigenous versus Westernized Populations,

Background. This study assessed whether glycated hemoglobin concentration, an indicator of psychogenic stress, differs between indigenous populations and non-indigenous reference groups. Methods. Multivariate and stratified analyses were undertaken of cross-sectional data from multi-center community-based diabetes diagnostic and risk factor screening initiatives in Canada and Australia. Population groups were Australian Aborigines (n = 116), Torres Strait Islanders (n = 156), Native Canadians (n = 155), Greek migrants to Australia (n = 117), and Caucasian Australians (n = 67). Measurements included fasting glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration, fasting and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and demographic variables. Results. Mean HbA1c concentrations were greater for indigenous groups than for Greek migrants and Caucasian Australians (P < 0.0001). The covariate adjusted indigenous versus non-indigenous difference (95% CI) was 0.90 (0.58–1.22) percentage units, 18.2% higher for indigenous people. Stratified analyses indicated greater HbA1c for indigenous than for non-indigenous persons with normoglycemia (P = 0.009), impaired glucose tolerance (P = 0.097), and diabetes (P < 0.0001). Conclusions. HbA1c concentrations are greater for indigenous than for non-indigenous groups. Social changes, low control, and living conditions associated with westernization may be inherently stressful at the biological level for indigenous populations in westernized countries.