South Asian adults in the United States face a surprising risk of diabetes as they reach midlife. Despite their healthier diets, lower alcohol consumption, and similar exercise habits, they experience higher rates of diabetes and hypertension compared to other groups.
A recent study, highlighted on February 11, 2026, examined this issue among 2,700 adults aged 45 to 55. It drew on two major studies: MASALA, which looks specifically at South Asian health, and MESA, which includes a wider range of ethnicities like white, Black, Hispanic, and Chinese adults.
The findings are striking. By age 45, about one in three South Asian men had prediabetes, and nearly one in five South Asian women were affected. This rate is roughly double that of white, Black, Hispanic, and Chinese women. As they reach 55, both South Asian men and women have at least double the likelihood of developing diabetes compared to white adults.
Researchers found that participants from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka show a concerning trend: they appear to have higher risk factors for heart disease than others. Yet, their lifestyle choices don’t align with these risks. They report healthier eating and lower body mass indices but still face significant health challenges.
Dr. Namratha Kandula, a senior author of the study, noted this surprising disparity. “We’re missing something fundamental to what is driving this elevated risk among South Asians,” she said. She emphasized that the decade of the 40s is crucial because it’s when risk levels rise, but the disease is often still preventable.
Interestingly, earlier data from the MASALA study revealed that South Asians carry more fat around their organs, even at a normal weight. This pattern of fat distribution, which can start in childhood, is a notable risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
These findings highlight a critical need for further research to explore why healthy lifestyle choices don’t always equate to better health outcomes for South Asians. Understanding these underlying factors could help develop tailored prevention strategies.
For more insights into health risks affecting South Asian communities, you can check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for valuable data and recommendations on diabetes and heart health.
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public health,Diabetes,global health,South Asians,India health
