A return to tradition.

During the last 50 years, changes in the traditional diet and lifestyle of American Indians have resulted in serious health problems. This article focuses primarily on the higher incidence of Type II diabetes in modern American Indians and illustrates the problem with statistics and historical background. Studies show that changes in diet can reduce the tendency toward diabetes. As a result of these studies, various programs have been introduced to educate American Indians about the importance of a healthy diet. The article concludes that the programs have a good chance of success because they can utilize the traditional practices and beliefs of American Indians.