The essence of this video episode of Unnatural Causes covered the prevalence, potential causes and some possible remedial actions regarding the development of diabetes in the Tohono O’odham people of Southern Arizona.
In the video, it was put forth that the Tohono O’odham have demonstrated a rate of type 2 diabetes that has been the highest in the world over the last four decades, that half of the adults in this group have diabetes and the rate among children is continuing to climb (Unnatural Causes, 2008). A genetic factor was brought up to possibly explain this, but it was shown not to provide any substantiating evidence as a primary origin specific to this group (Unnatural Causes, 2008). Several other causative theories for this unusually high diabetic prevalence were introduced and focused upon which included: economic, political, and social explanations. From an economic standpoint, the Tohono O’odham are amongst the most disadvantaged people in America and of relevance to this; the rate of…show more content… The political victory the O’odham have won from the return of water rights to their lands will certainly benefit them, especially through more self-control of their destiny. The economic and social rewards they reap from this will be beneficial throughout their communities. Further, it is my thought that a good way to achieve health promotion would be to utilize the water not only to their economic advantage by growing commercial crops, but also by using it to retain a sense of culture and contribute towards their long-term health. This could be done by cultivating the nutritious and traditional food source of Tepary Beans. By substituting this wholesome food for government commodity items, health would improve and this could also be sold as a native food item in place of non-traditional fry
