With more than half of Pima adults diagnosed with diabetes, the Gila River Indian Community of Arizona is waging a battle against the deadly disease.

Last week, the tribe opened two dialysis centers. The facilities cost $10 million and include state-of-the-art equipment.

Two weeks ago, the tribe opened a a health resource center to emphasize nutrition and exercise. Experts say lifestyle changes are necessary to reduce the onset of diabetes in adults and young people.

Get the Story:
Fighting a deadly plague (The Arizona Republic 11/9)

Related Stories:
Obesity blamed for rising health care costs (10/20)
Report urges fight against childhood obesity (10/01)
Kerry campaign promises Indian health care boost (09/29)
Report calls on U.S. to honor health care commitment (08/30)
'Just Move It' campaign targets diabetes among Natives (08/27)
Navajo racer promotes diabetes prevention (08/26)
IHS officials say Indians shortchanged billions (08/25)
National Indian Health Board holds conference (08/11)
Pember: Obesity threatening Indian Country (08/02)
Indian doctor dedicates life to combating diabetes (07/30)
Tribal centers participate in youth diabetes study (07/28)
Bush official pledges support for health care bill (07/22)
Medicare to allow some treatments for obesity (07/16)
Diabetes program reaches out to rural, elderly Navajos (06/07)
HHS says 41 million Americans at risk for diabetes (04/29)
Study documents urban Indian health disparities (04/21)
Diabetes and obesity ravage Native population (04/19)
Tribal colleges form network to combat diabetes (04/14)
Proposed boost in IHS budget rejected by Senate (03/12)