Resumen

CASE, Cynthia et al. RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN WARAO INDIANS FROM DELTA AMACURO, VENEZUELA. INCI [online]. 2006, vol.31, n.4, pp.309-311. ISSN 0378-1844.

The occurrence of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 and other metabolic alterations associated to feeding habits and physical daily activity was determined in an indigenous isolated population. Warao natives (21-50 years old, 31 male and 13 female) from Yakariyen, Delta Amacuro, Venezuela were randomly selected from a total population of 145 adults. For each subject, weight, height, waist circumference and arterial blood pressure were measured. Blood samples were extracted after 14h of fasting in order to determine glycemia, lipidic profile, uric acid, creatinin, insulin and HOMA. Body mass index values were 23.89 ±3.55 and 23.94 ±3.93kg/m2 for males and females, respectively, while waist circumference was 79.23 ±9.61 and 80.19 ±7.11cm. Blood pressure, glycemia, uric acid, creatinin and insulin were all in the normal range for a healthy individual. In the lipidic profile, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C and VDL-C were within a normal range, but HDL-C values were high. HOMA index was 2.1 for females and 2.2 for males. From the results obtained and the observation of alimentary habits and physical activity of the Waraos, it is concluded that this population shows a low risk for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, obesity and heart diseases, probably due to their cultural inherent daily feeding habits and physical activity.

Palabras clave : Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2; Factores de Riesgo; Waraos.