Increased Risk of Prediabetes Among Overweight Asian and Pacific Islander Adolescents

Recent research published in Diabetes Care highlights a concerning health disparity: Asian and Pacific Islander (Asian/PI) teenagers with overweight or obesity are more than twice as likely to develop prediabetes compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. The study, conducted by Adrian Matias Bacong, Ph.D., M.P.H., and colleagues from Stanford University and Kaiser Permanente Northern California, analyzed health records from over 37,000 adolescents aged 10 to 17.

The findings revealed that 26.9% of Asian/PI adolescents with excess weight had prediabetes, significantly higher than the 11.9% prevalence observed in non-Hispanic White youth. Notably, there was variation among Asian subgroups, with South Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander adolescents showing even higher rates (around 31-32%). Specific prevalence ratios indicated that South Asian adolescents had nearly three times the risk, while Filipino and Chinese adolescents had over twice the risk compared to White peers.

These disparities emphasize the importance of targeted prediabetes screening in high-risk populations. Early detection is critical for preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes and associated complications. Healthcare providers are urged to be particularly vigilant when monitoring Asian/PI adolescents with overweight or obesity, given their elevated predisposition.

This research underscores the need for culturally tailored interventions and increased awareness to address these health disparities among minority youth. Continued focus on preventive measures and early screening can help curb the rising tide of diabetes in vulnerable populations.

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