Our fourth recommendation is to raise awareness about gestational diabetes and the rise of diabetes amongst young indigenous women. Currently, indigenous peoples have the highest birth rate in Canada, and 78% of indigenous women will have diabetes in the next five to 10 years. Gestational diabetes, including health complications and higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, is a major concern not just for the mother, but also for the baby. Collaborating on culturally sensitive approaches in this area is again a huge opportunity to bridge traditional and new knowledge and to close the gaps in health outcomes in maternal, as well as infant and child, health issues.
