Stemming the tide: Rising diabetes prevalence and ethnic subgroup variation among Asians in Los Angeles County

•Diabetes prevalence among Asian Americans is increasing rapidly.•Diabetes prevalence is higher among Asians compared to whites despite lower BMI.•Significant heterogeneity exists in diabetes prevalence among Asian ethnic subgroups.•Diabetes prevalence is highest among Filipinos and South Asians (> 10%).•Diabetes prevalence is lowest among Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese (< 7%).

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this analysis was to examine the burden of diabetes among Asians and Asian subgroups in Los Angeles County, which has the largest county population of Asians in the U.S.MethodData were analyzed from 6 cycles of the Los Angeles County Health Survey, 1997–2011 (n = 47,282). Asian adults (n = 4672) were categorized into the following ethnic subgroups: Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, South Asian, and Other Asian. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine trends in prevalence, prevalence among Asian subgroups, and factors associated with diabetes.ResultsIn 2005, we observed a rapid increase in diabetes prevalence among Asians compared to whites despite consistently lower BMI relative to other racial/ethnic groups. Diabetes prevalence was significantly higher among Filipinos and South Asians (> 10%) compared to East Asians and Vietnamese (< 7%). After adjusting for all covariates, Asians who were older, non-drinkers, insured, and overweight or obese were found to have increased odds of diabetes.ConclusionDiabetes prevalence is increasing more rapidly among Asians compared to whites despite overall lower BMI. The significant heterogeneity among Asian subgroups highlights the need for disaggregated data and additional research to develop culturally appropriate interventions for diabetes prevention and control.