Pre-diabetes risk among South Asian and Korean immigrants in New York City

Background: Studies indicate that Asian Americans face a higher burden of diabetes compared to other ethnic groups. Few studies examine the risk of pre-diabetes among Asian subgroups. Purpose: To describe pre-diabetes and diabetes risk factors in South Asian and Korean communities in New York City (NYC); to inform community-specific interventions to prevent diabetes. Methods: In 2010, a formative study informing development of a diabetes intervention in NYC was conducted. Approximately 300 South Asian and 300 Korean individuals were screened. Glucose and cholesterol were collected, and survey questions assessed socio-demographics and diabetes risk factors. Bivariate analyses were run by glucose ≥ 140 (high, indicating pre-diabetes) and < 140 (low), and logistic regression will determine predictors of pre-diabetes among each subgroup. Results: Ninety-nine percent of individuals were born outside the U.S. Eighteen percent of South Asians and 21% of Koreans presented high two-hour fasting glucose levels. Fifty-six percent of South Asians and 33% of Koreans were uninsured. Among South Asians, 50% were overweight and 23% obese; among Koreans, 30% were overweight and 23% obese. Age and years in the U.S. were significantly associated with high glucose among South Asians (p<0.05) and BMI approached significance at p<0.10. For Koreans, age, insurance, and years in the U.S. approached significance at p<0.10. Subsequent analysis will include logistic regression models to predict high glucose. Conclusions: Prevalence of pre-diabetes was high in these understudied populations, suggesting an increased risk of diabetes among both South Asians and Koreans in NYC. Findings will inform community specific interventions.