South Asians Have Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

A study published in the journal Ethnicity & Disease has found disparity in the risk of getting type 2 diabetes among Asians, with South Asian immigrants (Pakistanis, Indians, Nepalese and Bangladeshis) more likely to get the disease than whites and other Asian immigrants (Chinese, Koreans, Thais, Filipinos, Vietnamese, etc) in the US.

Using data from a survey conducted in 2004, the study analyzed the prevalence of heart disease and metabolic disorders like diabetes based on ethnicity and other risk factors. The South Asian subgroup scored 35.4% prevalence of type 2 diabetes, while the all other Asian subgroup has 16.1% and whites scored lowest at 10.8%.

The results are of special interest to experts, as genetic susceptibility and abrupt changes in physical activities and diet result in elevated risks for Asians and must be addressed by making people aware of these risk factors.