Native Americans have the highest rates of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases in the nation, but a new national study suggests many have never heard of the most effective dietary approaches to prevent and even reverse the disease.
Indigenous communities in the United States face significant health challenges and disparities. The average life expectancy for Native Americans is 70.1 years, while the average life expectancy for the entire U.S. population is 78.4 years. American Indian adults have one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates, at 15% to 18%, and are approximately 50% more likely to be obese than white adults.
The survey of American Indian adults conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Physicians Committee found that only 13% knew that a low-fat, plant-based diet has been shown to help prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes.
The study also found that there was a significant tolerance for healthier diets rooted in traditional indigenous foods. After learning that whole foods and plant-based diets centered around traditional indigenous foods such as corn, beans and the Three Sisters of Pumpkin can support weight loss and help prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes and heart disease, 78% of respondents said they would be willing to try such a diet if it was affordable, accessible and culturally appropriate.
Physicians and nutrition educators will use data from the survey to improve the Native Foods for Life Program, a partnership between the Navajo Nation and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Care. This program helps people reverse type 2 diabetes, lose weight, and improve their overall health by returning to a traditional, indigenous, plant-based diet.
76% of respondents reported having at least one urgent health concern, with mental health and high blood pressure being cited most frequently. ”As a psychiatrist, I am shocked by the need for mental health care.” said Cherokee Dr. Josie Howard, who works with the Physicians Commission’s Native Foods for Life program.Explicitly incorporating aspects of group support into our groups, if presented in a culturally appropriate manner, for example in nutrition talk circles, can greatly enhance groups in terms of effectiveness and desirability.. ”
Dr. Howard recently discussed Native Foods for Life on Native America Calling with Dr. Neil Barnard. The program was also featured at this year’s Denver Powwow.
The study also found:
- 83% I agree that many health problems can be improved by changing your diet.
- 78% I agree that changing your diet can be as effective as medicine for many health conditions.
- 73% A plant-based diet is thought to be effective in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes.
- 80% Want to learn more about how traditional indigenous foods can help prevent and manage diseases such as diabetes?
- 67% They believe that by returning to traditional indigenous foods, they can improve the health of their communities.
- 71% Their community agrees that healthy plant-based foods will become more readily available.
The online survey was conducted among 156 American Indian adults between May 12 and May 20, 2026. Results are weighted to reflect the American Indian adult population and have a margin of error of ±8 percentage points.
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Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
