Prevalence, risk factors and complications associated with type 2 diabetes in migrant South Asians

Abstract

It is estimated that type 2 diabetes (T2D) currently affects about 246 million people worldwide, with South Asians, especially Indians, having both the largest number of cases and the fastest growing prevalence. South Asian ethnicity has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of T2D with central adiposity, insulin resistance and an unfavourable lipid profile being identified as predominant signals of alarm. Leading databases, including Web of Science, Medline, PubMed and Science Direct, were consulted and manual searches were conducted for cited references in leading diabetes-related journals. In all, 152 articles were included for the final assessment reported in this review. Genetic predisposition, central adiposity and unfavourable lifestyle, including physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet, were associated with the prevalence of T2D in migrant South Asians. 'Westernization', acculturation, socio-economic factors and lack of knowledge about the disease have also been identified as contributors to the development of T2D in this population. Higher prevalence of T2D in migrant South Asians may not be entirely attributed to genetic predisposition; hence, ethnicity and associated modifiable risk factors need further investigation. Preventive measures and appropriate interventions are currently limited by the lack of ethnic-specific cut-off points for anthropometric and biological markers, as well as by the absence of reliable methods for dietary and physical activity assessment. This article describes the prevalence rate, risk factors and complications associated with T2D in migrant South Asians living in different countries.

The association of religiosity with overweight/obese body mass index among Asian Indian immigrants in California

“…However, as immigrants increase their exposure to Western cultural practices, they may adopt less healthy food choices found in their host country (Akresh, 2007;Batis et al, 2011;Guendelman et al, 2011;Kim et al, 2007;Lv and Cason, 2004). For Asian Indians, this may mean reduced intake of plant foods or altered meal patterns that may increase risk for overweight/obesity and obesity-related conditions (Garduno-Diaz and Khokhar, 2012;Garduño-Diaz and Khokhar, 2012;Karim et al, 1986;Raj et al, 1999).…”

Nutrient intake of South Asian children compared with UK recommendation

“…1 School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK South Asians represent the largest ethnic minority group in the UK and have been reported to have greater risk of chronic diseases compared with Caucasians (1) . South Asians also experience the double burden of malnutrition, and also presenting deficiencies as well as over-nutrition (2) .…”

MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes in South Asians

“…Various studies have reported a number of dietary imbalances in South Asian diets associated with IR, such as high intake of total fat, saturated fatty acids, long chain u-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), trans fatty acids, and carbohydrates, and low intake of monounsaturated fatty acids, long chain u-3 PUFAs, fiber, and several micronutrients (e.g. magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D) (68,69,70,71,72,73). Furthermore, children and adolescents already have a high intake of u-6 PUFA and a low intake of u-3 PUFA, which is correlated with fasting hyperinsulinemia (74,75).…”