Documenting Evidence of Diabetes Disparities among South Asians in New York City

Problem:

In the U.S., South Asians are seven times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than the general population. Despite being home to the largest South Asian population in the U.S., few studies have documented diabetes disparities among this community in New York City (NYC). Preliminary findings will be presented from a larger intervention study that seeks to implement a community health worker program designed to improve diabetes control in the South Asian American community of NYC. During phase one of this study, findings from a community survey are being integrated with patient outcome data from NYC's largest municipal hospital (Bellevue), which sees a large South Asian patient population.

Methods:

Interviewer-administered community health needs assessments were completed by a community sample of South Asians recruited from community based events (n=300). Patient data was drawn from the Diabetes Clinic of Bellevue (n=4700).

Results:

Results from the community survey reveal that 67% of South Asian respondents had ever been screened for diabetes, and 17% of those screened had been told by a health professional that they had diabetes. This rate of diabetes is almost 3 times higher than the rate reported for Asian Americans living in New York City (6%). Analysis of patient hospital data reveals approximately 10% (n=514) of the diabetes clinic population is South Asian. Among diabetic South Asians, 65% are male. 59% of South Asian patients have Hemoglobin A1c levels above 7, indicated uncontrolled diabetes. Results will guide the development of the diabetes health intervention for this population.