Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Us and Foreign Born Non-Hispanic Asians: Evidence From Nhanes 

Abstract

Aims/Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare risks for metabolic dysfunction and type 2diabetes among Non-Hispanic Asian and Non-Hispanic white adults using new nationally representative data in the U.S. We compared the metabolic profiles of U.S.-born vs. foreign -born Non-Hispanic Asian adults. Materials and Methods: This study used NHANES 2011-2012 adult data for Non-Hispanic Asians (n=827) and Non-Hispanic Whites (n=2,108). Standardized risk threshold cutoffs for blood pressure, lipids, and glucose were used to determine metabolic dysfunction. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds of metabolic dysfunction. Covariates included age, sex, education level, marital status, BMI, serum cotinine exposure (for smoking), and nativity. Results: Compared to Non-Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Asians were at increased risk for HDL≤40 mg/dL (men) and≤50 mg/dL (women) (OR=1.78, 95% CI=1.02-3.11), HbA1c≥ 5.6 % (OR=3.23, 95% CI= 1.79-5.90), and HbA1c≥6.5 % (OR=3.32, 95% CI=1.58-6.98). Relative to U.S.-born Non-Hispanic Asians, foreign-born Non-Hispanic Asians had elevated risk for HbA1c ≥ 6.5 % (OR=1.94, 95% CI=1.24-3.02), total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL (OR= 1.77, 95 %CI = 1.31-2.39) and LDL ≥ 100 mg/dL (OR=1.79, 95% CI=1.23-2.59). Conclusions: This is the first analysis of metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes between U.S vs foreign-born Non-Hispanic Asians using nationally representative data. Non-Hispanic Asian immigrants appear to be the most at risk. Independent of BMI, Non-Hispanic Asians were at significantly higher risk for low HDL and type 2 diabetes compared to Non-Hispanic white adults.

Cardiometabolic Health in Asian American Children

“…Analysis of NHANES 2011-2012 found that that foreign born Asian Americans were at elevated risk for high total cholesterol and LDL levels [24]. These results contrast with our findings of higher non-LDL (b=26.55, p<0.001), higher LDL levels (b=19.82, p=0.01), and lower HDL levels (b=-4.00, p=0.01) amongst US born Asian American adolescents.…”

“…Echeverria et al studied adults using NHANES 2011-2014 and found that Asian Americans had an increased prevalence for CVD risk factors with longer durations in the US [5]. Analysis of NHANES 2011-2012 found that that foreign born Asian Americans were at elevated risk for high total cholesterol and LDL levels [24]. These results contrast with our findings of higher non-LDL (b=26.55, p<0.001), higher LDL levels (b=19.82, p=0.01), and lower HDL levels (b=-4.00, p=0.01) amongst US born Asian American adolescents.…”