Abstract

The BRAID study screened 1170 Aboriginal people in Alberta for diabetes, prediabetes, the metabolic syndrome, and other cardiovascular risk factors. 43 unique Aboriginal communities including Metis settlements and First Nations reserves were visited. Portable technology was used for screening and was assessed for diagnostic accuracy. Individuals were screened with one of two strategies; opportunistic or population based. 3.18% of individuals screened had undiagnosed diabetes, 28.3% had prediabetes, 50.4% had the metabolic syndrome, and 51.7% were obese. Age and family history of diabetes were the most significant predictors of diabetes. Regarding diabetes, prediabetes, and the metabolic syndrome, no significant differences in prevalence was found between the opportunistic or population based screening paradigms. Portable technology was shown to be accurate for the determination of diabetes, however it cannot yet be recommended for prediabetes. The BRAID study documented the highest prevalence of prediabetes and the metabolic syndrome in North America.