Type 2 diabetes in South Asians: similarities and differences with white Caucasian and other populations

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Unjali P. Gujral, Emory University; R. Pradeepa, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation; Mary Beth Weber, Emory University; K.M. Venkat Narayan, Emory University; V. Mohan, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre
• Language: English
• Date: 2013-01-14
• Publisher: New York Academy of Sciences
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2013 New York Academy of Sciences
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic
• Final Published Version (URL): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06838.x/abstract;jsessionid=FAAEA69765FDE2F2E329F1FCC917C9CD.f04t03
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
• ISSN: 0077-8923
• Volume: 1281
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 51
• End Page: 63
• Grant/Funding Information: We acknowledge NIH Grant 5T32DK007298-33 and NHLBI Grant HHSN2682009900026C for support.
• Keywords: prevalence; type 2 diabetes mellitus; ethnic comparison; South Asians
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Epidemiology; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. While all ethnic groups are affected, the prevalence of T2DM in South Asians, both in their home countries and abroad, is extremely high and is continuing to rise rapidly. Innate biological susceptibilities coupled with rapid changes in physical activity, diet, and other lifestyle behaviors are contributing factors propelling the increased burden of disease in this population. The large scope of this problem calls for investigations into the cause of increased susceptibility and preventative efforts at both the individual and population level that are aggressive, culturally sensitive, and start early. In this review, we outline the biological and environmental factors that place South Asians at elevated risk for T2DM, compared with Caucasian and other ethnic groups.