Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Health Topics

Do Certain Ethnic Groups Have a Higher Risk of Diabetes?

According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report (2020), a periodic publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10.5 percent of people in the United States have diabetes. This means 1 out of every 10 people in the United States has diabetes.

It is known that type 1 diabetes is hereditary and type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disorder. However, people of some ethnic groups have a gene for insulin resistance contributing to type 2 diabetes. Other than diet and lifestyle factors, you can also develop diabetes if you belong to a certain ethnic group. Let us have a look at the statistics.


Scientists have found different prevalence rates of diabetes among people of different ehtnic populations in the United States.

Table 1. Prevalence rates of diabetes in various ethnic populations

Ethnic population Prevalence of diagnosed diabetes (%)
American Indians/Alaskan Natives14.7
Non-Hispanic African Americans11.7
Hispanics12.5
Non-Hispanic Asians9.2
Non-Hispanic Caucasians7.5
  • Pacific Islanders, Alaskan natives and American Indians have the highest prevalence rates of diabetes among groups studied in the United States Census.
  • A higher percentage of African Americans and Asian Americans have diabetes compared to Caucasian. African American adults are more likely (60 percent more) to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic Cacausian adults.

Probable reasons why certain ethnic populations have diabetes

Why certain ethnic populations have more people with diabetes than other groups is a simple question with a complex answer. The exact reason remains unknown, but experts speculate that genetic factors and environmental factors are at play.

Body type

A higher percentage of body fat makes people more likely to get diabetes. Particularly, it is the distribution of fat in the body that matters the most. If it is concentrated around the abdomen, the risk is higher.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Asians tend to have more body fat and abdominal fat than fat under the skin (subcutaneous fat). It is this deep fat centered around the abdomen that makes the insulin less effective on circulating blood sugar. Caucasians tend to have less abdominal fat than Asians..

Potassium levels

Low potassium levels may make a person more likely to make less insulin. That could lead to high blood sugar levels. According to research, this makes them more likely to get type 2 diabetes than those with normal potassium levels. African Americans have lower potassium levels than Caucasians. Hence, they are more likely to develop diabetes than Caucasians.

Researchers found that a diet high in glucose and saturated fats causes low levels of inflammation in the body. This is called glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity, respectively, and it damages the beta cells.

Can people who belong to at-risk ethnic populations prevent diabetes?

Everyone can eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise to lower their risk of diabetes.

  • Keep your weight in check. Exercise regularly and aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Cut back on sugar, processed foods and saturated fats. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Eat fish to get a rich source of good fats (omega-3 fatty acids).
  • Check blood sugar levels regularly.

More Stories

Shining a Light on Oral Cancer: April Marks Awareness Month with a Focus on Prevention and Early Detection
Photo by Caroline LM on Unsplash

Shining a Light on Oral Cancer: April Marks Awareness Month with a Focus on Prevention and Early Detection

Ready for a dental adventure with a twist? April is designated as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the risks, symptoms, and prevention of oral cancer. This observance aims to educate the public and encourage early detection, which significantly improves survival rates. Oral cancer affects thousands of people each year and can have serious, life-altering consequences if not diagnosed and treated early (American Cancer Society, 2023).

Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues. It is often associated with lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 54,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer annually, and nearly 11,000 die from the disease (American Cancer Society, 2023).

Keep ReadingShow less

Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month: Understanding, Preventing, and Supporting Recovery

March is recognized as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public knowledge about TBIs, their impact, and the importance of prevention and treatment. Traumatic brain injuries affect millions of people each year, often leading to long-term disabilities and requiring extensive rehabilitation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). By dedicating a month to TBI awareness, we collectively work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for those affected by brain injuries, while also striving to prevent future incidents through education and advocacy.

The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI is a disruption in normal brain function caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. The severity of TBI can range from mild concussions to severe injuries resulting in cognitive and physical impairments. According to the CDC, approximately 1.5 million Americans sustain a TBI annually, and nearly 230,000 are hospitalized due to these injuries (CDC, 2023). Common causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and combat-related trauma among military personnel.

Keep ReadingShow less
Black Maternal Health Week: Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Care
Photo by Shelly Shell on Unsplash

Black Maternal Health Week: Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Care

Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), observed annually from April 11-17, is a national campaign founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018. It raises awareness about the disproportionate maternal health challenges faced by Black women in the United States and advocates for systemic change in maternal healthcare (Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2018). Addressing Black maternal health is crucial for achieving health equity, improving overall public health outcomes, and ensuring that all women have access to safe, respectful, and high-quality maternal care. It requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, healthcare system reforms, and efforts to combat racism and discrimination in medical settings.

The Urgency of Black Maternal Health

The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, and Black women are disproportionately affected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women (CDC, 2022). Structural racism, implicit bias in healthcare, and limited access to quality medical services contribute to these disparities.

Keep ReadingShow less

World Autism Day- Light it Up Blue

Every year on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed to raise awareness and foster acceptance for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Established by the United Nations in 2007, this day highlights the importance of early diagnosis, inclusive education, and policies that promote the well-being of autistic individuals worldwide (United Nations, 2007). Autism touches the lives of everyone in ways that are both profound and personal. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, teacher, friend, or simply part of a community, autism has a ripple effect that goes far beyond the individual diagnosed with it. It is not just about the challenges—it’s about the beauty of seeing the world through a different lens and learning to embrace diversity in its truest form.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD (CDC, 2023). The spectrum nature of autism means that its manifestations vary widely, making tailored support and understanding essential for each individual.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Truth About Measles

Morbillivirus measles infection.jpg - Wikipedia

The Truth About Measles

Measles might sound like a disease of the past, but it’s making a comeback in certain areas. Recently, a contagious person, who was not vaccinated, went to an NHL game, exposing everyone attending at the Bell Center in Montreal. There is a cluster of people with the measles in Texas. 2025 already has more cases of the measles than all of 2024. With more cases appearing worldwide, it’s important to understand what causes measles, its symptoms, and why getting vaccinated is the best way to stay protected.

What Causes Measles?

Measles is caused by the measles virus (MeV), a highly contagious airborne virus. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, releasing virus particles into the air【1】. What makes measles especially dangerous is its ability to linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours【2】. That means you can catch it just by being in the same room as an infected person—even if they’ve already left.

Keep ReadingShow less
×