Natural History of Type 2 Diabetes in Indians: Time to Progression

OBJECTIVE

To describe the natural history of diabetes in Indians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data are from participants older than 20 years in the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia longitudinal study. Glycemic states were defined per American Diabetes Association criteria. Markov models were used to estimate annual transition probabilities and sojourn time through states.

RESULTS

Among 2,714 diabetes-free participants, 641 had isolated impaired fasting glucose (iIFG), and 341 had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). The annual transition to diabetes for those with IGT was 13.9% (95% CI 12.0, 15.9) versus 8.6% (7.3, 9.8) for iIFG. In the normoglycemia ↔ iIFG → diabetes model, mean sojourn time in normoglycemia was 40.3 (34.6, 48.2) years, and sojourn time in iIFG was 9.7 (8.4, 11.4) years. For the normoglycemia ↔ IGT → diabetes model, mean sojourn time in normoglycemia was 34.5 (29.5, 40.8) years, and sojourn time in IGT was 6.1 (5.3, 7.1) years.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals reside in normoglycemia for 35-40 years; however, progression from prediabetes to diabetes is rapid.

Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults

BACKGROUND

Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. We estimated the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or thinness and obesity, and their changes, from 1990 to 2022 for adults and school-aged children and adolescents in 200 countries and territories.

METHODS

We used data from 3663 population-based studies with 222 million participants that measured height and weight in representative samples of the general population. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends in the prevalence of different BMI categories, separately for adults (age ≥20 years) and school-aged children and adolescents (age 5-19 years), from 1990 to 2022 for 200 countries and territories. For adults, we report the individual and combined prevalence of underweight (BMI <18·5 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). For school-aged children and adolescents, we report thinness (BMI <2 SD below the median of the WHO growth reference) and obesity (BMI >2 SD above the median).

FINDINGS

From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in adults decreased in 11 countries (6%) for women and 17 (9%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 that the observed changes were true decreases. The combined prevalence increased in 162 countries (81%) for women and 140 countries (70%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. In 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity was highest in island nations in the Caribbean and Polynesia and Micronesia, and countries in the Middle East and north Africa. Obesity prevalence was higher than underweight with posterior probability of at least 0·80 in 177 countries (89%) for women and 145 (73%) for men in 2022, whereas the converse was true in 16 countries (8%) for women, and 39 (20%) for men. From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of thinness and obesity decreased among girls in five countries (3%) and among boys in 15 countries (8%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80, and increased among girls in 140 countries (70%) and boys in 137 countries (69%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. The countries with highest combined prevalence of thinness and obesity in school-aged children and adolescents in 2022 were in Polynesia and Micronesia and the Caribbean for both sexes, and Chile and Qatar for boys. Combined prevalence was also high in some countries in south Asia, such as India and Pakistan, where thinness remained prevalent despite having declined. In 2022, obesity in school-aged children and adolescents was more prevalent than thinness with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 among girls in 133 countries (67%) and boys in 125 countries (63%), whereas the converse was true in 35 countries (18%) and 42 countries (21%), respectively. In almost all countries for both adults and school-aged children and adolescents, the increases in double burden were driven by increases in obesity, and decreases in double burden by declining underweight or thinness.

INTERPRETATION

The combined burden of underweight and obesity has increased in most countries, driven by an increase in obesity, while underweight and thinness remain prevalent in south Asia and parts of Africa. A healthy nutrition transition that enhances access to nutritious foods is needed to address the remaining burden of underweight while curbing and reversing the increase in obesity.

FUNDING

UK Medical Research Council, UK Research and Innovation (Research England), UK Research and Innovation (Innovate UK), and European Union.

Tuberculosis infection and hypertension: prevalence estimates from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVES

Tuberculosis infection (TBI) is marked by dynamic host-pathogen interactions with persistent low-grade inflammation and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction and stroke. However, few studies assess the relationship between TBI and hypertension, an intermediate of CVD. We sought to determine the association between TBI and hypertension using data representative of the adult US population.

METHODS

We performed cross-sectional analyses using data from the 2011-2012 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Eligible participants included adults with valid QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test results who also had blood pressure measures and no history of TB disease. TBI was defined by a positive QFT-GIT. We defined hypertension by either elevated measured blood pressure levels (ie, systolic ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic ≥80 mm Hg) or known hypertension indications (ie, self-reported previous diagnosis or use of antihypertensive medications). Analyses were performed using robust quasi-Poisson regressions and accounted for the stratified probability sampling design of NHANES.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of TBI was 5.7% (95% CI 4.7% to 6.7%) and hypertension was present among 48.9% (95% CI 45.2% to 52.7%) of participants. The prevalence of hypertension was higher among those with TBI (58.5%, 95% CI 52.4% to 64.5%) than those without TBI (48.3%, 95% CI 44.5% to 52.1%) (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.3). However, after adjusting for confounders, the prevalence of hypertension was similar for those with and without TBI (adjusted PR 1.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1). The unadjusted prevalence of hypertension was higher among those with TBI versus no TBI, especially among individuals without CVD risk factors including those with normal body mass index (PR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0), euglycaemia (PR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.5) or non-smokers (PR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4).

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of adults with TBI in the USA had hypertension. Importantly, we observed a relationship between TBI and hypertension among those without established CVD risk factors.

SUMMARY

The prevalence of hypertension was high (59%) among adults with TBI in the USA. In addition, we found that the prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher among adults with positive QFT without established hypertension risk factors.

Attitudes and beliefs about sleep health among a racially and ethnically diverse sample of overweight/obese adults

OBJECTIVES

To identify and compare how sleep-related attitudes and beliefs vary among racially and ethnically diverse adults with risk factors for cardio-metabolic disease.

METHODS

This exploratory qualitative study used online focus group discussions (N = 4 groups among 17 individuals) to collect information about sleep attitudes, beliefs, and practices following participation in the Mindfulness Intervention to Improve Sleep and Reduce Diabetes Risk Among a Diverse Sample in Atlanta (MINDS) study. A rapid analyses approach was used to identify shared themes related to attitudes and beliefs about sleep health and sleep practices across participants.

RESULTS

Participants on average were 31years old, 88% female, and identified as Black/African American (52.9%), White (17.7%), Asian (11.8%), and Hispanic (17.7%). Three themes related to attitudes and beliefs about sleep health were identified: prioritization of sleep to improve one's overall health, re-evaluating sleep needs, and interpersonal barriers to sleep. For Black/African American participants prioritizing sleep was coupled with a want to minimize stress as a long-term health promotion strategy, whereas individuals of other races/ethnicities were more focused on the immediate benefits of getting sufficient sleep. Individuals had reappraised their sleep needs and worked to improve their sleep hygiene accordingly, yet still experienced barriers to sleep. The most common barrier to sleep was sharing a sleep environment with someone who had conflicting sleep routines and practices.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest perceived benefits of and barriers to sleep vary by race/ethnicity, thus future interventions should be culturally tailored to enhance effectiveness.

Global variation in diabetes diagnosis and prevalence based on fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are both used to diagnose diabetes, but these measurements can identify different people as having diabetes. We used data from 117 population-based studies and quantified, in different world regions, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes, and whether those who were previously undiagnosed and detected as having diabetes in survey screening, had elevated FPG, HbA1c or both. We developed prediction equations for estimating the probability that a person without previously diagnosed diabetes, and at a specific level of FPG, had elevated HbA1c, and vice versa. The age-standardized proportion of diabetes that was previously undiagnosed and detected in survey screening ranged from 30% in the high-income western region to 66% in south Asia. Among those with screen-detected diabetes with either test, the age-standardized proportion who had elevated levels of both FPG and HbA1c was 29-39% across regions; the remainder had discordant elevation of FPG or HbA1c. In most low- and middle-income regions, isolated elevated HbA1c was more common than isolated elevated FPG. In these regions, the use of FPG alone may delay diabetes diagnosis and underestimate diabetes prevalence. Our prediction equations help allocate finite resources for measuring HbA1c to reduce the global shortfall in diabetes diagnosis and surveillance.

Disparities in diabetes prevalence and management by race and ethnicity in the USA: defining a path forward

Type 2 diabetes disparities in the USA persist in both the prevalence of disease and diabetes-related complications. We conducted a literature review related to diabetes prevention, management, and complications across racial and ethnic groups in the USA. The objective of this review is to summarise the current understanding of diabetes disparities by examining differences between and within racial and ethnic groups and among young people (aged <18 years). We also examine the pathophysiology of diabetes as it relates to race and ethnic differences. We use a conceptual framework built on the socioecological model to categorise the causes of diabetes disparities across the lifespan looking at factors in five domains of health behaviours and social norms, public awareness, structural racism, economic development, and access to high-quality care. The range of disparities in diabetes prevalence and management in the USA calls for a community-engaged and multidisciplinary approach that must involve community partners, researchers, practitioners, health system administrators, and policy makers. We offer recommendations for each of these groups to help to promote equity in diabetes prevention and care in the USA.

Tuberculosis infection and hypertension: Prevalence estimates from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objectives

Latent Tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is marked by dynamic host-pathogen interactions with persistent low-grade inflammation and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, and stroke. However, few studies assess the relationship between LTBI and hypertension, an intermediate of CVD. We sought to determine the association between LTBI and hypertension using data representative of the adult US population.

Methods

We performed cross-sectional analyses using data from the 2011-2012 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Eligible participants included adults with valid QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test results who also had blood pressure measures and no history of TB disease. LTBI was defined by a positive QFT-GIT. We defined hypertension by either elevated measured blood pressure levels (i.e., systolic ≥130mmHg or diastolic ≥80mmHg) or known hypertension indications (i.e., self-reported previous diagnosis or use of antihypertensive medications). Analyses were performed using robust quasi-Poisson regressions and accounted for the stratified probability sampling design of NHANES.

Results

The overall prevalence of LTBI was 5.7% (95%CI 4.7-6.7) and hypertension was present among 48.9% (95%CI 45.2-52.7) of participants. The prevalence of hypertension was higher among those with LTBI (58.5%, 95%CI 52.4-64.5) than those without LTBI (48.3%, 95%CI 44.5-52.1) (prevalence ratio [PR]=1.2, 95%CI 1.1-1.3). However, after adjusting for confounders, the prevalence of hypertension was similar for those with and without LTBI (adjusted PR=1.0, 95%CI 0.9 -1.1). Among individuals without CVD risk factors of elevated BMI (PRnormal BMI=1.6, 95%CI 1.2-2.0), hyperglycemia (PReuglycemia=1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.5), or cigarette smoking (PRnon-smokers=1.2, 95%CI 1.1-1.4), the unadjusted prevalence of hypertension was higher among those with LTBI vs. no LTBI.

Conclusions

More than half of adults with LTBI in the US had hypertension. Importantly, we observed a relationship between LTBI and hypertension among those without established CVD risk factors.

Feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of a mobile mindfulness meditation intervention to improve sleep quality among a racially/ethnically diverse population

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of using a mindfulness meditation mobile application to improve sleep quality among a diverse group of adults.

METHODS

This explanatory qualitative study used online focus group discussions (N = 4 groups with 17 individuals) to collect information about user experiences with a mindfulness meditation mobile application (Headspace) among participants enrolled in the MINDS study. A rapid analyses approach was used to descriptively compare motivators of app use, barriers and facilitators to app use, and perceived tailoring needs across participants.

RESULTS

Participants on average were 30 years old, 88% female, and identified as Black/African American (52.9%), White (29.4%), Asian (11.8%), and Hispanic (17.6%). All participants felt the app was acceptable and appreciated the ability to personalize their app experience. Individuals with ≥50% intervention adherence (daily use for 30 days) reported being motivated to use the app because it helped them to fall asleep faster, while the remainder of participants used the app to relax throughout the day and faced external barriers to app use (eg, lack of time) and difficulty with app navigation. Only those participants who used the app exclusively in the evenings reported falling asleep faster and staying asleep. Suggestions for tailoring the app differed by race and age. Only Black/African American participants preferred using an instructor based on their race and gender.

CONCLUSION

Using a mobile meditation app to enhance sleep quality is acceptable and feasible, but additional tailoring for Black/African American individuals may improve uptake in this population.

Cardiometabolic Risk in Asian Americans by Social Determinants of Health: Serial Cross-sectional Analyses of the NHIS, 1999-2003 to 2014-2018

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and hypertension are common in Asian Americans and vary by subgroup. There may be further variation by social determinants of health (SDOHs), but few studies have examined this previously.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of SDOHs and diabetes and hypertension within and across Asian subgroups in the USA DESIGN: Series cross-sectional analyses SETTING: National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) from 1999 to 2018 PARTICIPANTS: Asian-American adults (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, and Other Asian [Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and other]) MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported diabetes and hypertension prevalence in pooled 5-year increments over 1999-2018 and multivariable regression models to assess the adjusted prevalence of diabetes or hypertension by poverty, marital status, education, and years in the USA, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and health insurance status RESULTS: From 1999-2003 to 2014-2018, the age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of diabetes increased for Other Asians (absolute change: 4.6%) but not for other subgroups; age- and sex-adjusted hypertension prevalence significantly increased for Asian Indians and Other Asians (absolute change: 5-7.5%). For Filipinos, high school education or less was associated with an increase in diabetes prevalence over time (difference from 1999-2003 to 2014-2018: +6.0 (95% CI: 2.0-10.0)), while for Asian Indians, college education or higher was associated with an increase in diabetes prevalence for the same period (difference: +2.7 (95% CI: 0.01-5.4). Differences over the 2 time periods (1999-2003 and 2014-2018) show that Filipino and Other Asians, who lived in the USA for ≥10 years, increased in diabetes prevalence. Similar variations in associations of SDOHs by Asian subgroup were seen for hypertension.

LIMITATIONS

Self-reported primary outcomes and multi-year data were pooled due to small sample sizes.

CONCLUSIONS

The influence of SDOHs on cardiometabolic risk is not uniform among Asian Americans, implying tailored strategies may be needed for different population subgroups.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

NIH.

Liver, visceral and subcutaneous fat in men and women of South Asian and white European descent: a systematic review and meta-analysis of new and published data

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

South Asians have a two- to fivefold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those of white European descent. Greater central adiposity and storage of fat in deeper or ectopic depots are potential contributing mechanisms. We collated existing and new data on the amount of subcutaneous (SAT), visceral (VAT) and liver fat in adults of South Asian and white European descent to provide a robust assessment of potential ethnic differences in these factors.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the Embase and PubMed databases from inception to August 2021. Unpublished imaging data were also included. The weighted standardised mean difference (SMD) for each adiposity measure was estimated using random-effects models. The quality of the studies was assessed using the ROBINS-E tool for risk of bias and overall certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. The study was pre-registered with the OSF Registries ( https://osf.io/w5bf9 ).

RESULTS

We summarised imaging data on SAT, VAT and liver fat from eight published and three previously unpublished datasets, including a total of 1156 South Asian and 2891 white European men, and 697 South Asian and 2271 white European women. Despite South Asian men having a mean BMI approximately 0.5-0.7 kg/m² lower than white European men (depending on the comparison), nine studies showed 0.34 SMD (95% CI 0.12, 0.55; I²=83%) more SAT and seven studies showed 0.56 SMD (95% CI 0.14, 0.98; I²=93%) more liver fat, but nine studies had similar VAT (-0.03 SMD; 95% CI -0.24, 0.19; I²=85%) compared with their white European counterparts. South Asian women had an approximately 0.9 kg/m² lower BMI but 0.31 SMD (95% CI 0.14, 0.48; I²=53%) more liver fat than their white European counterparts in five studies. Subcutaneous fat levels (0.03 SMD; 95% CI -0.17, 0.23; I²=72%) and VAT levels (0.04 SMD; 95% CI -0.16, 0.24; I²=71%) did not differ significantly between ethnic groups in eight studies of women.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

South Asian men and women appear to store more ectopic fat in the liver compared with their white European counterparts with similar BMI levels. Given the emerging understanding of the importance of liver fat in diabetes pathogenesis, these findings help explain the greater diabetes risks in South Asians.

FUNDING

There was no primary direct funding for undertaking the systematic review and meta-analysis.

Obesity-associated metabolites in relation to type 2 diabetes risk: A prospective nested case-control study of the CARRS cohort

AIMS

To determine whether obesity-associated metabolites are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) risk among South Asians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum-based nuclear magnetic resonance imaging metabolomics data were generated from two South Asian population-based prospective cohorts from Karachi, Pakistan: CARRS1 (N = 4017) and CARRS2 (N = 4802). Participants in both cohorts were followed up for 5 years and incident T2DM was ascertained. A nested case-control study approach was developed to select participants from CARRS1 (N_cases  = 197 and N_controls  = 195) and CARRS2 (N_cases  = 194 and N_controls  = 200), respectively. First, we investigated the association of 224 metabolites with general obesity based on body mass index and with central obesity based on waist-hip ratio, and then the top obesity-associated metabolites were studied in relation to incident T2DM.

RESULTS

In a combined sample of the CARRS1 and CARRS2 cohorts, out of 224 metabolites, 12 were associated with general obesity and, of these, one was associated with incident T2DM. Fifteen out of 224 metabolites were associated with central obesity and, of these, 10 were associated with incident T2DM. The higher level of total cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was associated with reduced T2DM risk (odds ratio [OR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53, 0.86; P = 1.2 × 10^-3 ), while higher cholesterol esters in large very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles were associated with increased T2DM risk (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.40, 2.58; P = 3.5 × 10^-5 ).

CONCLUSION

Total cholesterol in HDL and cholesterol esters in large VLDL particles may be an important biomarker in the identification of early development of obesity-associated T2DM risk among South Asian adults.

Mortality differentials by previous diagnosis of diabetes and glycemic status in the United States

AIMS

This study examines mortality differences associated with current glycemic status in mortality by current glycemic status among adults with a previously diagnosed diabetes. Using previous clinical diagnosis of diabetes (diagnosed diabetes) and laboratory measures of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measured at baseline, we estimated mortality differentials simultaneously by diagnosed diabetes and baseline glycemic status in the United States.

METHODS

Data were from 39,491 adults aged 30-84 years assessed in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III and continuous NHANES 1999-2014 linked to mortality data. We categorized participants into four mutually exclusive groups based on diagnosed diabetes and glycemic control measured by HbA1c ≥6.5 % at baseline. Relative hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause death among these four groups were estimated using Cox proportional models.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in mortality by glycemic control status among adults with diagnosed diabetes. The same finding was observed among adults without diagnosed diabetes. Adults with diagnosed diabetes had higher mortality than adults without diagnosed diabetes independent of their baseline glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Once diagnosed with diabetes, US adults with normal- and hyper-glycemia showed no significant difference in all-cause mortality. This finding emphasizes the importance of primary prevention interventions among adults with a sign of early-stage diabetes.

A healthy plant-based diet is favorably associated with cardiometabolic risk factors among participants of South Asian ancestry

BACKGROUND

Plant-based diets are recommended for chronic disease prevention, yet there has been little focus on plant-based diet quality among participants of South Asian ancestry who consume a predominantly plant-based diet.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated cross-sectional and prospective associations between plant-based diet quality and cardiometabolic risks among participants of South Asian ancestry who are living in the United States.

METHODS

We included 891 participants of South Asian ancestry who completed the baseline visit in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study. The prospective analysis included 735 participants who completed exam 2 (∼5 years after baseline). The plant-based diet quality was assessed using 3 indices: an overall plant-based diet index (PDI) that summarizes the consumption of plant foods, a healthy PDI (hPDI) that measures consumption of healthy plant foods, and an unhealthy PDI (uPDI) that reflects consumption of less healthy plant foods.

RESULTS

At baseline, the PDI score was inversely associated with fasting glucose. We observed inverse associations between PDI and hPDI scores and HOMA-IR, LDL cholesterol, weight, and BMI (all P values < 0.05). Higher scores on the hPDI, but not PDI, were associated with lower glycated hemoglobin, higher adiponectin, a smaller visceral fat area, and a smaller pericardial fat volume. Each 5-unit higher hPDI score was associated with lower likelihoods of fatty liver (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.90) and obesity (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.97). There were no associations between uPDI scores and cardiometabolic risks. Prospectively, after covariate adjustment for baseline values, each 5-unit higher hPDI score was associated with an 18% lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher intake of healthful plant-based foods was associated with a favorable cardiometabolic risk profile. Dietary recommendations to lower chronic disease risks among participants of South Asian ancestry should focus on the quality of plant-based foods.

HbA1c, blood pressure and cholesterol control in adults with diabetes: A report card for Kuwait

Aim

To assess the level of glycemic, blood pressure, and cholesterol control (the ‘ABCs’) nationally amongst adults with diabetes living in Kuwait.

Materials and Methods

Using data from two national cross‐sectional surveys, the levels of risk factor control were assessed in 1,801 adults with diabetes, aged 18–82 years. Glycemic control was defined as HbA1c < 7%, blood pressure control as systolic and diastolic blood pressures of <140/90 mmHg, and non‐HDL cholesterol control as <3.4 mmol/L.

Results

The percentage of adults with diabetes achieving control was 39.2% (95% CI, 37.0–41.5) for glycemia, 58.4% (95% CI, 56.0–60.7) for blood pressure, and 28.3% (95% CI, 26.3–30.4) for non‐HDL cholesterol. The percentage of adults who were non‐smokers was 77.6% (95%, CI 75.6–79.4). The percentage of adults with diabetes achieving control on all three risk factors was 7.4% (95% CI, 6.3–8.8), and only 5.8% (95% CI, 4.8–7.0) achieved ABC control and were nonsmokers. ABC control was 30% higher in women compared with men. Non‐Kuwaitis were almost twice as likely to have uncontrolled ABC factors compared with Kuwaitis.

Conclusions

Only 1 in 13 people with diabetes in Kuwait achieved good control of glycemia, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Only 2 in 5 achieved glycemic control, 6 in 10 blood pressure control, and 2 in 7 cholesterol control. A national diabetes quality improvement program is urgently needed to improve the quality of care and to prevent long‐term complications.

Interventions for Reversing Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Several interventions have been found to be effective for reversing prediabetes in adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effectiveness of such interventions.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published between January 1, 2000 and June 27, 2018. RCTs in adults with prediabetes, testing nonsurgical interventions lasting for ≥3 months, and reporting the number of participants achieving normal glucose levels at intervention end were eligible. The pooled risk difference and number needed to treat for achieving normoglycemia were estimated using a random-effects, arm-based network meta-analysis. The strength of the evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Data were obtained in 2018 and analyzed in 2019 and 2021.

RESULTS

Of 54 studies included in the systematic review, 47 were meta-analyzed (n=26,460, mean age=53 years, 46% male, 31% White). Studies included 27 arms testing lifestyle modification interventions, 25 testing medications, 5 testing dietary supplements, and 10 testing Chinese medicine. There were 35 control/placebo arms. At a median follow-up of 1.6 years, more participants in the lifestyle modification groups achieved normoglycemia than those in the control (risk difference=0.18, number needed to treat=6). The strength of the evidence was strong for lifestyle modification. Over a median follow-up of 2.7 years, more participants receiving glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (risk difference=0.47, number needed to treat=2), α-glucosidase inhibitors (risk difference=0.29, number needed to treat=4), and insulin sensitizers (risk difference=0.23, number needed to treat=4) achieved normoglycemia than control. The strength of evidence was moderate for these medications.

DISCUSSION

Although several pharmacological approaches can reverse prediabetes, lifestyle modification provides the strongest evidence of effectiveness and should remain the recommended approach to address this condition.

Higher rates of diabetic ketoacidosis and admission to the paediatric intensive care unit among newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic might have a multifaceted effect on children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), either directly through infection itself or indirectly due to measures implemented by health authorities to control the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

To compare data on children newly diagnosed with T1D in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic to the pre-pandemic period.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analysed data on children aged 12 years or less registered in the Childhood-Onset Diabetes electronic Registry (CODeR) in Kuwait. Data were incidence rate (IR), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and its severity and admission to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

RESULTS

The IR of T1D was 40.2 per 100,000 (95% CI; 36.0-44.8) during the COVID-19 pandemic period and was not statistically different from pre-pandemic. A higher proportion of incident T1D cases presented with DKA and were admitted to the PICU during the pandemic (52.2% vs. 37.8%: p ˂ 0.001, 19.8% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.002, respectively). The COVID-19 pandemic was positively associated with presentation of DKA and admission to PICU (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.13-2.65; p = 0.012, AOR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.13-3.67; p = 0.018, respectively). Children of families with a positive history for diabetes were less likely to present with DKA and get admitted to the PICU during the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.20-0.74; p = 0.004, AOR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08-0.61; p = 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

High rates of DKA at presentation and admission to PICU in incident T1D cases during the COVID-19 pandemic warrant further studies and effective mitigation efforts through increasing awareness, early detection, and timely intervention.

Cardiovascular risk factor profiles in North and South Indian and Pakistani Americans: The MASALA Study

South Asians in the United States have disproportionately high burden of cardiovascular disease compared to other race/ethnic groups but are a heterogenous population, so we evaluated differences in prevalence and adjusted odds of cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity between North Indian, South Indian, and Pakistani immigrants in the United States in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study. Given cultural differences among residents of Indian regions, for example in dietary patterns, we categorized Indian participants as North or South Indian. In 1,018 participants (728 North Indian [47% women], 223 South Indian [43% women], 67 Pakistani [52% women]), unadjusted diabetes and obesity prevalence was highest in Pakistani participants (33% and 48%, respectively); hypertension prevalence was highest in North Indian participants (54%); dyslipidemia prevalence was highest in South Indian and Pakistani participants (55%); and South Indian participants had a higher odds of dyslipidemia (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.27, 2.47) compared with North Indian participants in fully adjusted models. As differences in cardiovascular risk factors were observed across South Asian American subgroups, identifying the determinants of suboptimal cardiovascular health within South Asian American subgroups may help to better tailor cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.

Diabetes and hypertension among South Asians in New York and Atlanta leveraging hospital electronic health records

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and hypertension disparities are pronounced among South Asians. There is regional variation in the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in the US, but it is unknown whether there is variation among South Asians living in the US. The objective of this study was to compare the burden of diabetes and hypertension between South Asian patients receiving care in the health systems of two US cities.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analyses were performed using electronic health records (EHR) for 90,137 South Asians receiving care at New York University Langone in New York City (NYC) and 28,868 South Asians receiving care at Emory University (Atlanta). Diabetes was defined as having 2 + encounters with a diagnosis of diabetes, having a diabetes medication prescribed (excluding Acarbose/Metformin), or having 2 + abnormal A1C levels (≥ 6.5%) and 1 + encounter with a diagnosis of diabetes. Hypertension was defined as having 3 + BP readings of systolic BP ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 80 mmHg, 2 + encounters with a diagnosis of hypertension, or having an anti-hypertensive medication prescribed.

RESULTS

Among South Asian patients at these two large, private health systems, age-adjusted diabetes burden was 10.7% in NYC compared to 6.7% in Atlanta. Age-adjusted hypertension burden was 20.9% in NYC compared to 24.7% in Atlanta. In Atlanta, 75.6% of those with diabetes had comorbid hypertension compared to 46.2% in NYC.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest differences by region and sex in diabetes and hypertension risk. Additionally, these results call for better characterization of race/ethnicity in EHRs to identify ethnic subgroup variation, as well as intervention studies to reduce lifestyle exposures that underlie the elevated risk for type 2 diabetes and hypertension development in South Asians.

Epidemiology of diabetes among South Asians in the United States: lessons from the MASALA study

South Asian individuals in the United States are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM); however, the mechanisms behind this are not well understood. The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study is the only longitudinal cohort of South Asians in the United States and provides key insights as to the epidemiology of T2DM in South Asians. Evidence from the MASALA study suggests that South Asians experience a disproportionately high burden of prevalent and incident T2DM compared with members of other race/ethnic groups. Higher insulin resistance in South Asians, even with low body mass index (BMI), more impairment in insulin secretion, and greater deposition of ectopic fat likely play a role in T2DM etiology. Furthermore, South Asian migrants to the United States experience a range of factors related to acculturation, social networks, and religious beliefs, which may impact physical activity and dietary practices. Interventions to prevent T2DM in South Asians should include a focus on cultural factors related to health and should consider the complete mechanistic pathway and the relative contributions of insulin resistance, β cell dysfunction, and ectopic fat deposition on T2DM development in South Asians, particularly in those with lower BMI.

Lifestyle Interventions for Diabetes Prevention in South Asians: Current Evidence and Opportunities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the burden of diabetes in South Asian populations and reviews recent evidence for diabetes prevention through lifestyle modification among South Asians worldwide. We indicate important gaps in the current literature and point to opportunities for additional research in this area.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized, controlled, efficacy studies and implementation research show that lifestyle intervention can be an effective, cost-effective, and feasible method for reducing diabetes risk, improving cardiometabolic health, and improving lifestyle behaviors in South Asian populations, a population at high diabetes risk and elevated rates of diabetes risk factors. Additional research is needed to address diabetes risk reduction in normal-weight South Asians and individuals with impaired fasting glucose; improve community-level implementation, individual uptake, and dissemination of proven programs; and assess long-term outcomes of interventions.

Association of Diabetes Subgroups With Race/Ethnicity, Risk Factor Burden and Complications: The MASALA and MESA Studies

INTRODUCTION

There are known disparities in diabetes complications by race and ethnicity. Although diabetes subgroups may contribute to differential risk, little is known about how subgroups vary by race/ethnicity.

METHODS

Data were pooled from 1293 (46% female) participants of the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) who had diabetes (determined by diabetes medication use, fasting glucose, and glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]), including 217 South Asian, 240 non-Hispanic white, 125 Chinese, 387 African American, and 324 Hispanic patients. We applied k-means clustering using data for age at diabetes diagnosis, body mass index, HbA1c, and homeostatic model assessment measures of insulin resistance and beta cell function. We assessed whether diabetes subgroups were associated with race/ethnicity, concurrent cardiovascular disease risk factors, and incident diabetes complications.

RESULTS

Five diabetes subgroups were characterized by older age at diabetes onset (43%), severe hyperglycemia (26%), severe obesity (20%), younger age at onset (1%), and requiring insulin medication use (9%). The most common subgroup assignment was older onset for all race/ethnicities with the exception of South Asians where the severe hyperglycemia subgroup was most likely. Risk for renal complications and subclinical coronary disease differed by diabetes subgroup and, separately, race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial/ethnic differences were present across diabetes subgroups, and diabetes subgroups differed in risk for complications. Strategies to eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in complications may need to consider approaches targeted to diabetes subgroup.

Association between varying cut-points of intermediate hyperglycemia and risk of mortality, cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the updated evidence regarding prediabetes for predicting mortality, macrovascular and microvascular outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified English language studies from MEDLINE, PubMed, OVID and Cochrane database indexed from inception to January 31, 2020. Paired reviewers independently identified 106 prospective studies, comprising nearly 1.85 million people, from 27 countries. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality (ACM), cardiovascular mortality (CVDM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Secondary outcomes were heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and retinopathy.

RESULTS

Impaired glucose tolerance was associated with ACM; HR 1.19, 95% CI (1.15 to 1.24), CVDM; HR 1.21, 95% CI (1.10 to 1.32), CVD; HR 1.18, 95% CI (1.11 to 1.26), CHD; HR; 1.13, 95% CI (1.05 to 1.21) and stroke; HR 1.24, 95% CI (1.06 to 1.45). Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) 110-125 mg/dL was associated with ACM; HR 1.17, 95% CI (1.13 to 1.22), CVDM; HR 1.20, 95% CI (1.09 to 1.33), CVD; HR 1.21, 95% CI (1.09 to 1.33), CHD; HR; 1.14, 95% CI (1.06 to 1.22) and stroke; HR 1.22, 95% CI (1.07 to 1.40). IFG 100-125 mg/dL was associated with ACM; HR 1.11, 95% CI (1.04 to 1.19), CVDM; HR 1.14, 95% CI (1.03 to 1.25), CVD; HR 1.15, 95% CI (1.05 to 1.25), CHD HR; 1.10, 95% CI (1.02 to 1.19) and CKD; HR; 1.09, 95% CI (1.01 to 1.18). Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 6.0%-6.4% was associated with ACM; HR 1.30, 95% CI (1.03 to 1.66), CVD; HR 1.32, 95% CI (1.00 to 1.73) and CKD; HR 1.50, 95% CI (1.32 to 1.70). HbA1c 5.7%-6.4% was associated with CVD HR 1.15, 95% CI (1.02 to 1.30), CHD; HR 1.28, 95% CI (1.13 to 1.46), stroke; HR 1.23, 95% CI (1.04 to 1.46) and CKD; HR 1.32, 95% CI (1.16 to 1.50).

CONCLUSION

Prediabetes is an elevated risk state for macrovascular and microvascular outcomes. The prevention and management of prediabetes should be considered.

Incidence of diabetes in South Asian young adults compared to Pima Indians

INTRODUCTION

South Asians (SA) and Pima Indians have high prevalence of diabetes but differ markedly in body size. We hypothesize that young SA will have higher diabetes incidence than Pima Indians at comparable body mass index (BMI) levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used prospective cohort data to estimate age-specific, sex, and BMI-specific diabetes incidence in SA aged 20-44 years living in India and Pakistan from the Center for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia Study (n=6676), and compared with Pima Indians, from Pima Indian Study (n=1852).

RESULTS

At baseline, SA were considerably less obese than Pima Indians (BMI (kg/m²): 24.4 vs 33.8; waist circumference (cm): 82.5 vs 107.0). Age-standardized diabetes incidence (cases/1000 person-years, 95% CI) was lower in SA than in Pima Indians (men: 14.2, 12.2-16.2 vs 37.3, 31.8-42.8; women: 14.8, 13.0-16.5 vs 46.1, 41.2-51.1). Risk of incident diabetes among 20-24-year-old Pima men and women was six times (relative risk (RR), 95% CI: 6.04, 3.30 to 12.0) and seven times (RR, 95% CI: 7.64, 3.73 to 18.2) higher as compared with SA men and women, respectively. In those with BMI <25 kg/m², however, the risk of diabetes was over five times in SA men than in Pima Indian men. Among those with BMI ≥30 kg/m², diabetes incidence in SA men was nearly as high as in Pima men. SA and Pima Indians had similar magnitude of association between age, sex, BMI, and insulin secretion with diabetes. The effect of family history was larger in SA, whereas that of insulin resistance was larger in Pima Indians CONCLUSIONS: In the background of relatively low insulin resistance, higher diabetes incidence in SA is driven by poor insulin secretion in SA men. The findings call for research to improve insulin secretion in early natural history of diabetes.

Incidence and pathophysiology of diabetes in South Asian adults living in India and Pakistan compared with US blacks and whites

INTRODUCTION

We compared diabetes incidence in South Asians aged ≥45 years in urban India (Chennai and Delhi) and Pakistan (Karachi), two low-income and middle-income countries undergoing rapid transition, with blacks and whites in the US, a high-income country.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We computed age-specific, sex-specific and body mass index (BMI)-specific diabetes incidence from the prospective Center for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia Study (n=3136) and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (blacks, n=3059; whites, n=9924). We assessed factors associated with incident diabetes using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

South Asians have lower BMI and waist circumference than blacks and whites (median BMI, kg/m²: 24.9 vs 28.2 vs 26.0; median waist circumference, cm 87.5 vs 96.0 vs 95.0). South Asians were less insulin resistant than blacks and whites (age-BMI-adjusted homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, µIU/mL/mmol/L: 2.30 vs 3.45 vs 2.59), and more insulin deficient than blacks but not whites (age-BMI-adjusted homeostasis model assessment of β-cell dysfunction, µIU/mL/mmol/L: 103.7 vs 140.6 vs 103.9). Age-standardized diabetes incidence (cases/1000 person-years (95% CI)) in South Asian men was similar to black men and 1.6 times higher (1.37 to 1.92) than white men (26.0 (22.2 to 29.8) vs 26.2 (22.7 to 29.7) vs 16.1 (14.8 to 17.4)). In South Asian women, incidence was slightly higher than black women and 3 times (2.61 to 3.66) the rate in white women (31.9 (27.5 to 36.2) vs 28.6 (25.7 to 31.6) vs 11.3 (10.2 to 12.3)). In normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m²), diabetes incidence adjusted for age was 2.9 times higher (2.09 to 4.28) in South Asian men, and 5.3 times (3.64 to 7.54) in South Asian women than in white women.

CONCLUSIONS

South Asian adults have lower BMI and are less insulin resistant than US blacks and whites, but have higher diabetes incidence than US whites, especially in subgroups without obesity. Factors other than insulin resistance (ie, insulin secretion) may play an important role in the natural history of diabetes in South Asians.

Ethnic differences in subclinical vascular function in South Asians, Whites, and African Americans in the United States

BACKGROUND

South Asians are a high-risk ethnic group for cardiovascular disease despite having lower levels of conventional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and smoking. Ethnic differences in pulse wave reflections, arterial stiffness, and subclinical atherosclerosis as measured using augmentation index (AIX), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) may reflect some of this excess risk.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of pooled data from three community-based sources in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Data on 530 South Asians collected from local health fairs was compared with data on 507 White and 192 African Americans from the Emory Predictive Health Initiative and 351 White and 382 African Americans from the Morehouse and Emory Team up to Eliminate Health Disparities Study.

RESULTS

Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking, MAP, fasting glucose, TC, HDL-C, creatinine, and body mass index were used to assess the relationship between ethnicity and vascular function measures. In fully adjusted models, South Asians had higher heart rate corrected AIX as compared with Whites and African Americans (by 5.47%, p < 0.01 and 3.50%, p < 0.01; respectively), but lower PWV (by 0.51 m/s, p < 0.01 and 0.72 m/s, p < 0.01; respectively) and lower CIMT (by 0.02 mm p = 0.03 and 0.04 mm p < 0.01; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic pulse wave reflections, independent of other risk factors, are higher in South Asians as compared with Whites and African Americans. Future research is needed to determine whether higher AIX explains the increased cardiovascular risk among South Asians.

Past Sodium Intake, Contemporary Sodium Intake, and Cardiometabolic Health in Southwest Coastal Bangladesh

Background We compared the relationship of past and contemporary sodium (Na) intake with cardiometabolic biomarkers. Methods and Results A total of 1191 participants' data from a randomized controlled trial in coastal Bangladesh were analyzed. Participants provided 24-hour urine Na (24UNa) data for 5 monthly visits. Their fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, blood pressure, and 24-hour urine protein were measured at the fifth visit. Participants' mean 24UNa over the first 4 visits was the past Na, and 24UNa of the fifth visit was the contemporary Na intake. We estimated the prevalence ratios of elevated cardiometabolic biomarkers and metabolic syndrome across 24UNa tertiles by multilevel logistic regression using participant-, household-, and community-level random intercepts. Models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, sleep hours, religion, and household wealth. Compared with participants in tertile 1 of past urine Na, those in tertile 3 had 1.46 (95% CI, 1.08-1.99) times higher prevalence of prediabetes or diabetes mellitus, 5.49 (95% CI, 2.73-11.01) times higher prevalence of large waist circumference, and 1.60 (95% CI, 1.04-2.46) times higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Compared with participants in tertile 1 of contemporary urine Na, those in tertile 3 had 1.93 (95% CI, 1.24-3.00) times higher prevalence of prediabetes or diabetes mellitus, 3.14 (95% CI, 1.45-6.83) times higher prevalence of proteinuria, and 2.23 (95% CI, 1.34-3.71) times higher prevalence of large waist circumference. Conclusions Both past and contemporary Na intakes were associated with higher cardiometabolic disease risk.

Preparedness cycle to address transitions in diabetes care during the COVID-19 pandemic and future outbreaks

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a mass casualty incident of the most severe nature leading to unearthed uncertainties around management, prevention, and care. As of July 2020, more than twelve million people have tested positive for COVID-19 globally and more than 500 000 people have died. Patients with diabetes are among the most severely affected during this pandemic. Healthcare systems have made emergent changes to adapt to this public health crisis, including changes in diabetes care. Adaptations in diabetes care in the hospital (ie, changes in treatment protocols according to clinical status, diabetes technology implementation) and outpatient setting (telemedicine, mail delivery, patient education, risk stratification, monitoring) have been improvised to address this challenge. We describe how to respond to the current public health crisis focused on diabetes care in the USA. We present strategies to address and evaluate transitions in diabetes care occurring in the immediate short-term (ie, response and mitigation), as well as phases to adapt and enhance diabetes care during the months and years to come while also preparing for future pandemics (ie, recovery, surveillance, and preparedness). Implementing multidimensional frameworks may help identify gaps in care, alleviate initial demands, mitigate potential harms, and improve implementation strategies and outcomes in the future.

Incidence of diabetes and prediabetes and predictors of glycemic change among South Asians in the USA: the MASALA study

INTRODUCTION

South Asians have a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This may be associated with high rates of conversion through the natural history of disease. However, there is a paucity of data on prediabetes and T2DM incidence and related predictors in South Asians in the USA.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We estimated prediabetes and T2DM incidence after 5 years of follow-up in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study (n=481) and examined the associated correlates. We defined T2DM and prediabetes using the American Diabetes Association criteria. Prediabetes included isolated impaired fasting glucose (iIFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (iIGT) and combined IFG and IGT.

RESULTS

Overall, 152 (32%, 95% CI: 27.6 to 35.9) individuals progressed either from normal glucose tolerance to prediabetes or T2DM, or from prediabetes to T2DM. In standardised logistic regression models controlling for age and sex, only hepatic fat attenuation (increased hepatic fat) (OR: 0.67 (95% CI: 0.55 to 0.87) per SD, visceral fat area (OR: 1.36 (95% CI: 1.06 to 1.74) per SD and hypertension (OR: 2.21 (95% CI: 1.44 to 3.40) were associated with any glycemic progression.

CONCLUSIONS

South Asians in the USA have a high incidence of dysglycemia. Hepatic and visceral fat may be factors in glycemic progression, and prevention efforts should target ectopic fat reduction.

Isolated HbA1c identifies a different subgroup of individuals with type 2 diabetes compared to fasting or post-challenge glucose in Asian Indians: The CARRS and MASALA studies

AIMS

Guidelines recommend hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as a diagnostic test for type 2 diabetes, but its accuracy may differ in certain ethnic groups.

METHODS

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes by HbA1c, fasting glucose, and 2 h glucose was compared in 3016 participants from Chennai and Delhi, India from the CARRS-2 Study to 757 Indians in the U.S. from the MASALA Study. Type 2 diabetes was defined as fasting glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, 2-h glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/L, or HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. Isolated HbA1c diabetes was defined as HbA1c ≥ 6.5% with fasting glucose < 7.0 mmol/L and 2 h glucose < 11.1 mmol/L.

RESULTS

The age, sex, and BMI adjusted prevalence of diabetes by isolated HbA1c was 2.9% (95% CI: 2.2-4.0), 3.1% (95% CI: 2.3-4.1), and 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4-1.8) in CARRS-Chennai, CARRS-Delhi, and MASALA, respectively. The proportion of diabetes diagnosed by isolated HbA1c was 19.4%, 26.8%, and 10.8% in CARRS-Chennai, CARRS-Delhi, and MASALA respectively. In CARRS-2, individuals with type 2 diabetes by isolated HbA1c milder cardio-metabolic risk than those diagnosed by fasting or 2-h measures.

CONCLUSIONS

In Asian Indians, the use of HbA1c for type 2 diabetes diagnosis could result in a higher prevalence. HbA1c may identify a subset of individuals with milder glucose intolerance.

Ethnic differences in the prevalence of diabetes in underweight and normal weight individuals: The CARRS and NHANES studies

AIMS

Type 2 diabetes in lean individuals has recently come to attention. We assessed type 2 diabetes prevalence and the associated risk factors in underweight and normal weight individuals in two ethnic populations.

METHODS

We conducted cross-sectional analyses, using representative samples of 4930 Asian Indians from the CARRS-Chennai Study and 2868 Whites from the NHANES Survey. Diabetes was defined as use of glucose lowering medication, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl, or 2 h glucose ≥200 mg/dl. Body mass index (BMI) was classified using WHO standard criteria.

RESULTS

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes by BMI varied by ethnicity and sex. In men, type 2 diabetes prevalence was 5.4% and 23.5% in underweight and normal weight Asian Indians and 0.0% and 6.1% in underweight and normal weight Whites. In women, the prevalence was 5.6% and 13.6% in underweight and normal weight Asian Indians and 2.3% and 2.8% in underweight and normal weight Whites. Adjustment for waist circumference, insulin resistance, and insulin secretion did not explain the increased prevalence in Asian Indians.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest significant ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes prevalence without overweight or obesity. Future studies should examine the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes development in lean individuals.

Convergence of non-communicable diseases and tuberculosis: a two-way street?

The intersection of tuberculosis (TB) with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic lung disease (CLD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), has emerged as a critical clinical and public health challenge. Rapidly expanding NCD epidemics threaten TB control in low- and middle-income countries, where the prevention and treatment of TB disease remain a great burden. However, to date, the notion that TB may adversely impact NCD risk and severity has not been well explored. This review summarizes biomedical hypotheses, findings from animal models, and emerging epidemiologic data related to the progression of DM, CLD and CVD during and after active TB disease. We conclude that there is sufficient empirical evidence to justify a greater research emphasis on the syndemic interaction between TB and NCD.

Diabetes Among Non-Overweight Individuals: an Emerging Public Health Challenge

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Overweight and obesity are well-established risk factors for type 2 diabetes. However, a substantial number of individuals develop the disease at underweight or normal weight. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in non-overweight adults; pose questions about etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis; and examine implications for prevention and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

In population-based studies, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes ranged from 1.4-10.9%. However, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with BMI < 25 kg/m² ranged from 1.4-8.8%. In countries from Asia and Africa, the proportion of individuals with diabetes who were underweight or normal weight ranged from 24 to 66%, which is considerably higher than the US proportion of 10%. Impairments in insulin secretion, in utero undernutrition, and epigenetic alterations to the genome may play a role in diabetes development in this subgroup. A substantial number of individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with recent ancestry from Asia or Africa, are underweight or normal weight. Future research should consist of comprehensive studies of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in non-overweight individuals; studies aimed at understanding gaps in the mechanisms, etiology, and pathophysiology of diabetes development in underweight or normal weight individuals; and trials assessing the effectiveness of interventions in this population.

Relation of Ectopic Fat with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score in South Asians Living in the United States (from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America [MASALA] Study)

Few studies have investigated the association between ectopic fat from different depots and cardiovascular risk scores and their components in the same population, and none have investigated these relations in South Asians. In a cross-sectional analysis of 796 participants in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study who had measurements of visceral, subcutaneous, pericardial, hepatic, and intermuscular fat from abdominal and cardiac computed tomography scans, we used linear regression to determine the associations of 1 standard deviation difference in each ectopic fat depot with pooled cohort risk score and its components. Pericardial and visceral fat were more strongly associated with the pooled cohort risk score (3.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5 to 3.7, and 2.7%, 95% CI 2.1 to 3.3, respectively) and components than intermuscular fat (2.3%, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.0); subcutaneous fat was inversely associated with the pooled cohort risk score (-2.6%, 95% CI -3.2 to 1.9) and hepatic fat attenuation was not linearly associated with the pooled cohort risk score when mutually adjusted (-0.3%, 95% CI -0.9 to 0.4). Associations for risk factor components differed by fat depot. In conclusion, subcutaneous and hepatic fat may have different functions than fat stored in other depots in South Asians. Determining whether these relations are heterogeneous by race may help elucidate the mechanisms underlying CVD disparities.

Cardiometabolic Abnormalities Among Normal-Weight Persons From Five Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Two Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

The relationship between body weight and cardiometabolic disease may vary substantially by race/ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and correlates of the phenotype of metabolic abnormality but normal weight (MAN) for 5 racial/ethnic groups.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

2 community-based cohorts.

PARTICIPANTS

2622 white, 803 Chinese American, 1893 African American, and 1496 Hispanic persons from MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) and 803 South Asian participants in the MASALA (Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America) study.

MEASUREMENTS

Prevalence of 2 or more cardiometabolic abnormalities (high fasting glucose, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels and hypertension) among normal-weight participants was estimated. Correlates of MAN were assessed by using log-binomial models.

RESULTS

Among normal-weight participants (n = 846 whites, 323 Chinese Americans, 334 African Americans, 252 Hispanics, and 195 South Asians), the prevalence of MAN was 21.0% (95% CI, 18.4% to 23.9%) in whites, 32.2% (CI, 27.3% to 37.4%) in Chinese Americans, 31.1% (CI, 26.3% to 36.3%) in African Americans, 38.5% (CI, 32.6% to 44.6%) in Hispanics, and 43.6% (CI, 36.8% to 50.6%) in South Asians. Adjustment for demographic, behavioral, and ectopic body fat measures did not explain racial/ethnic differences. After adjustment for age, sex, and race/ethnicity-body mass index (BMI) interaction, for the equivalent MAN prevalence at a BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 in whites, the corresponding BMI values were 22.9 kg/m2 (CI, 19.5 to 26.3 kg/m2) in African Americans, 21.5 kg/m2 (CI, 18.5 to 24.5 kg/m2) in Hispanics, 20.9 kg/m2 (CI, 19.7 to 22.1 kg/m2) in Chinese Americans, and 19.6 kg/m2 (CI, 17.2 to 22.0 kg/m2) in South Asians.

LIMITATION

Cross-sectional study design and lack of harmonized dietary data between studies.

CONCLUSION

Compared with whites, all racial/ethnic minority groups had a statistically significantly higher prevalence of MAN, which was not explained by demographic, behavioral, or ectopic fat measures. Using a BMI criterion for overweight to screen for cardiometabolic risk may result in a large proportion of racial/ethnic minority groups being overlooked.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

National Institutes of Health.

Glucose patterns during the OGTT and risk of future diabetes in an urban Indian population: The CARRS study

AIMS

Traditionally, fasting and 2-hour post challenge plasma glucose have been used to diagnose diabetes. However, evidence indicates that clinically relevant pathophysiological information can be obtained by adding intermediate time-points to a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

METHODS

We studied a population-based sample of 3666 Asian Indians without diabetes from the CARRS-Chennai Study, India. Participants underwent a three-point (fasting, 30-min, and 2-h) OGTT at baseline. Patterns of glycemic response during OGTT were identified using latent class mixed-effects models. After a median follow-up of two years, participants had a second OGTT. Logistic regression adjusted for diabetes risk factors was used to compare risk of incident diabetes among participants in different latent classes.

RESULTS

We identified four latent classes with different glucose patterns (Classes 1-4). Glucose values for Classes 1, 2, and 4 ranked consistently at all three time-points, but at gradually higher levels. However, Class 3 represented a distinct pattern, characterized by high 30-min (30minPG), normal fasting (FPG) and 2-h (2hPG) plasma glucose, moderately high insulin sensitivity, and low acute insulin response. Approximately 22% of participants were categorized as Class 3, and had a 10-fold risk of diabetes compared to the group with the most favorable glucose response, despite 92.5% of Class 3 participants having normal glucose tolerance (NGT) at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated 30minPG is associated with high risk of incident diabetes, even in individuals classified as NGT by a traditional OGTT. Assessing 30minPG may identify a subgroup of high-risk individuals who remained unidentified by traditional measures.

Type 2 diabetes: A 21st century epidemic

Around 415 million people around the world have diabetes (9% of adults), and the vast majority live in low- and middle-income countries. Over the next decade, this number is predicted to increase to 642 million people. Given that diabetes is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, and health care expenditures, addressing this chronic disease represents one of the greatest global health challenges of our time. The objectives of this article are three-fold: (1) to present data on the global burden of type 2 diabetes (which makes up 87-91% of the total diabetes burden), both in terms of prevalence and incidence; (2) to give an overview of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes, and to describe obesity and the developmental origins of disease risk in detail; and (3) to discuss the implications of the global burden and point out important research gaps.

Comparing Type 2 Diabetes, Prediabetes, and Their Associated Risk Factors in Asian Indians in India and in the U.S.: The CARRS and MASALA Studies

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes and the associated risk factors in two Asian Indian populations living in different environments.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed cross-sectional analyses, using representative samples of 2,305 Asian Indians aged 40-84 years living in Chennai, India, from the Centre for cArdiometabolic Risk Reduction in South-Asia study (CARRS) (2010-2011), and 757 Asian Indians aged 40-84 years living in the greater San Francisco and Chicago areas from the U.S. Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study (2010-2013). Diabetes was defined as self-reported use of glucose-lowering medication, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, or 2-h glucose ≥200 mg/dL. Prediabetes was defined as fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL and/or 2-h glucose 140-199 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted diabetes prevalence was higher in India (38% [95% CI 36-40]) than in the U.S. (24% [95% CI 21-27]). Age-adjusted prediabetes prevalence was lower in India (24% [95% CI 22-26]) than in the U.S. (33% [95% CI 30-36]). After adjustment for age, sex, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure, living in the U.S. was associated with an increased odds for prediabetes (odds ratio 1.2 [95% CI 0.9-1.5]) and a decreased odds for diabetes (odds ratio 0.5 [95% CI 0.4-0.6]).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate possible changes in the relationship between migration and diabetes risk and highlight the growing burden of disease in urban India. Additionally, these results call for longitudinal studies to better identify the gene-environment-lifestyle exposures that underlie the elevated risk for type 2 diabetes development in Asian Indians.

The relative associations of β-cell function and insulin sensitivity with glycemic status and incident glycemic progression in migrant Asian Indians in the United States: the MASALA study

AIMS

We assessed the relative associations of β-cell dysfunction and insulin sensitivity with baseline glycemic status and incident glycemic progression among Asian Indians in the United States.

METHODS

A 5-sample oral glucose tolerance test was obtained at baseline. Normoglycemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were defined by ADA criteria. The Matsuda Index (ISIM) estimated insulin sensitivity, and the Disposition Index (DIo) estimated β-cell function. Visceral fat was measured by abdominal CT. After 2.5years, participants underwent a 2-sample oral glucose tolerance test. Standardized polytomous logistic regression was used to examine associations with prevalent and incident glycemia.

RESULTS

Mean age was 57±8years and BMI 26.1±4.6kg/m(2). Log ISIM and log DIo were associated with prediabetes and T2DM after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, family history of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. After adjusting for visceral fat, only DIo remained associated with prediabetes (OR per SD 0.17, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.41) and T2DM (OR 0.003, 95% CI: 0.0001, 0.03). Incidence rates (per 1,000 person-years) were: normoglycemia to IGT: 82.0, 95% CI (40, 150); to IFG: 8.4, 95% CI (0, 41); to T2DM: 8.6, 95% CI (0, 42); IGT to T2DM: 55.0, 95% CI (17, 132); IFG to T2DM: 64.0, 95% CI (3, 316). The interaction between sex and the change in waist circumference (OR 1.8, per SD 95% CI: 1.22, 2.70) and the change in log HOMA-β (OR 0.37, per SD 95% CI: 0.17, 0.81) were associated with glycemic progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of DIo with baseline glycemia after accounting for visceral fat as well as the association of the change in log HOMA-β with incident glycemic progression implies innate β-cell susceptibility in Asian Indians for glucose intolerance or dysglycemia.

Type 2 diabetes in South Asians: similarities and differences with white Caucasian and other populations

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. While all ethnic groups are affected, the prevalence of T2DM in South Asians, both in their home countries and abroad, is extremely high and is continuing to rise rapidly. Innate biological susceptibilities coupled with rapid changes in physical activity, diet, and other lifestyle behaviors are contributing factors propelling the increased burden of disease in this population. The large scope of this problem calls for investigations into the cause of increased susceptibility and preventative efforts at both the individual and population level that are aggressive, culturally sensitive, and start early. In this review, we outline the biological and environmental factors that place South Asians at elevated risk for T2DM, compared with Caucasian and other ethnic groups.