Chinese and Asian ethnic groups have a greater prevalence of type 2 diabetes
Chinese and Asian ethnic groups have a greater prevalence of type 2 diabetes despite having a lower body mass index. Electronic health record data from 46, 507 unique patients were analysed. The ethnic groups of the patients ranged from Koreans, to Japanese to Sri Lankans. The proportion of women ranged from 46% in Indian to 68% in Japanese. Asian patients as a group were younger than Filipinos. The proportion of overweight (BMI: 25 – 30) among Chinese ethnic patients was lower than white patients with the exceptions of Indians and Filipinos. Obesity, as measured by BMI, is a well known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. There are many studies that question the validity of BMI as a marker of obesity in Asian and Chinese populations. Asians have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes than white patients at each level of BMI. Accurate and early diagnosis of overweight and Obesity amongst Asians is critical to stem the rising tide of type 2 diabetes within the growing population within the UK. There is a growing body of evidence that population specific BMI ranges are necessary for accurate, timely diagnosis of overweight and obesity to prevent type 2 diabetes. Weight Loss management is key.
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