BRFSS Survey Analysis from 2013-2017 Highlights the Importance of Weight Management, Earlier Screening, and Provider Involvement for Early Diagnosis and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Asian Indians in the US
Abstract
Asian Indians (AI) are susceptible to developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) at lower ages and BMIs as opposed to other populations in the US. This secondary data analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in NJ from 2013 to 2017 examined the relationship between Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and the diagnosis of T2DM among AIs in New Jersey (NJ). The sample consisted of 1,132 AIs. The study concluded that 16% of the sample had T2DM or Pre-diabetes (PDM) and 69.2% were overweight or obese based on Asia Pacific BMI criteria. The risk for T2DM was significantly associated with older age, having medical check-ups, internet use, and having a personal doctor (p ≤ 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of weight management, earlier screening, and provider involvement in diabetes prevention strategies for AIs in the US.
