DIA Study: Prevalence of Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and CVD Risk Factors among Asian Indians in the United States

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ranjita Misra, PhD, Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, 4243 TAMU, 158P Read Building, College Station, TX 77843, 979-845-8756, misra@hlkn.tamu.edu and Thakor Patel, MD, Renal Diseases, Oncology & Diabetes, VA Hospital, 810 Vermont Av., Washington DC, DC 20420.

Background: Although studies of immigrant Asian Indians in other countries show high rates of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) no randomized, population-based studies of this rapidly growing ethnic group exist in the US. DIA Study is a first randomized population-based (national) study of the prevalence of obesity, T2DM, MetS, and CVD risk factors among randomly selected Asian Indian immigrants in seven US sites (n=1038). Results: The mean age was 48.16 years with 12 years residency in the US. The mean BMI was 25.5 (42% overweight and 11% obese). Prevalence of diabetes was 18.2%, and 26.5% of diabetic persons were unaware of their diagnosis. Furthermore, 31.2% of the respondents had ADA-defined pre-diabetes (100-125 mg/dl). Among individuals with undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes, many (36%) rated their risk of getting diabetes as low/no risk in the future. Cardiovascular risk factors showed higher levels of triglycerides, serum cholesterol, and low levels of HDL than other ethnic groups surveyed in large, randomized studies; C-reactive protein increased with BMI; significant differences existed between normal, pre-diabetics, and diabetics. The prevalence of MetS was 31% (without gender difference); MetS risk factors were higher for triglycerides (37%), fasting blood glucose (36%), and low levels of HDL (especially for females; 40%). Knowledge of several key diabetes and CVD risk factors was low even though the mean educational level was a college degree. Conclusion: Asian Indians have high prevalence of T2DM and MetS. The data provide a firm basis for future mechanistic and interventional studies.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
- 1. Describe the prevalence of diabetes, metabolic syndrome among Asian Indians in the US.
- 2. List the differences in CVD risk factors among normal, pre-diabetics and diabetic individuals.
- 3. Discuss knowledge of risk factors as possible strategies for educational intervention among Asian Indians in the US.
Keywords: Asian Americans, Diabetes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Not Answered

Emerging Issues in AAPI Health Care
The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA