Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk in the UK south Asian community

Diabetologia. 2006 Oct;49(10):2234-46. doi: 10.1007/s00125-006-0325-1. Epub 2006 Jul 18.

Abstract

A popular hypothesis for the greater prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in UK south Asians is that they have an increased susceptibility of developing insulin resistance in response to certain environmental factors, including obesity and adoption of a sedentary lifestyle. Insulin resistance is postulated as a central feature of the metabolic syndrome, culminating in type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic vascular disease and CHD; a pathway potentially accelerated by migration/urbanisation. We describe and compare the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and their associated risk factors in UK south Asian and white Caucasian populations to determine possible reasons for the increased preponderance of these diseases in south Asians, and highlight key evidence for optimal risk factor management. Finally, we describe a UK community-based programme that attempts to reduce the morbidity and mortality from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in south Asians through a new approach to management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Asian People / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / genetics
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / epidemiology*
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / genetics
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology