A Population-Based Study of Diabetes Incidence by Ethnicity and Age: Support for the Development of Ethnic-Specific Prevention Strategies.

People from certain ethnic backgrounds, including South Asian, African, Hispanic, Indigenous and Middle Eastern, have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There has been an especially high risk shown for those of South Asian background. Most of the studies looking at this issue focused on those who were over 40 years of age. This study examined administrative health records data in Ontario to learn more about ethnicity and diabetes in those of younger age. The study found that type 2 diabetes risk for those of South Asian background at age 25 was equivalent to a 40-year old Western European man. For others of non-Western European background, the equivalent risk was found between 30-35 years of age. Because of this, the research team recommends that screening for type 2 diabetes in groups at increased risk because of their ethnic background begins at age 30. Education and other interventions should begin even earlier, in particular for those of South Asian background.