Asian Americans are being diagnosed with diabetes at lower body weights compared to the general U.S. population, according to a recent report by the Deloitte Health Equity Institute and the Joslin Asian American Diabetes Initiative (AADI). The findings suggest genetics may play a role, with South Asians, Filipinos, and Pacific Islanders being especially vulnerable.
Research indicates that Asian Americans store body fat differently, with weight accumulating near abdominal muscles, the liver, and other organs, leading to insulin resistance. Dr. Alka Kanaya of UC San Francisco explains that Asian Americans store fat “in all the wrong places.”
To address this health disparity, the South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Program has been launched, with 550 participants like Pakistani American Shaheen Aamir making lifestyle changes such as incorporating daily yoga or physical activity. “It changed my life, health- and fitness-wise,” Aamir says, “I feel light and energetic. It’s raised my self-esteem.”
Experts recommend that Asian Americans adopt a more plant-based diet, engage in regular exercise, and get screened for diabetes starting at age 20, with follow-up screenings every few years. This contrasts with the standard U.S. testing age of 40-45. The Deloitte Health Equity Institute and AADI are working together to further investigate the link between genetics and diabetes risk among Asian American populations.
“Why are Asian Americans at higher risk of diabetes” (June 12, 2024)
