Type 2 diabetes in the First Nations population: a case example of clinical practice guidelines.

CONTEXT Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health concern and has reached epidemic proportions in the Canadian First Nation population. Reasons for this epidemic are the consequences of low socioeconomic status, and challenges to screening, primary prevention, management and access to care. ISSUE This article presents the authors' opinions of the healthcare needs specific to the First Nation population in Canada with respect to management of T2D. LESSONS LEARNED The authors argue that the current Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines are insufficient to provide a basis for health care and funding policies related to T2D management in the First Nation population. The authors present their own recommendations in relation to funding policies and the appropriateness of services for the First Nation population.