Chronic Diseases - Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is one of the most serious health challenges facing American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States, as well as other indigenous tribes of the arctic countries. The disease is very common in many indigenous tribes, and morbidity and mortality from diabetes can be severe. Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high blood levels of glucose. It results from defects in insulin secretion, in insulin action, or both, and it can be associated with serious complications and premature death. Most American Indians and Alaska Natives with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. More information available through: MEDLINEplus Topic on Diabetes PubMed Search on Diabetes National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Indian Health Service Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Canada Online