New Delhi : A recent study published in the BMJ has revealed that South Asians, including Indians, are at a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a younger age and with more severe complications compared to white populations.
The research found that even at a lower body mass index (BMI), South Asians are more likely to develop diabetes. One of the key reasons is abdominal obesity, where fat accumulates around the stomach area, along with lifestyle habits such as sitting for long hours and reduced physical activity.
According to Dr. Anoop Misra, Director of Diabetes Foundation (India) and lead author of the study, diabetes in South Asians starts earlier, progresses faster, and leads to more health problems like kidney disease and heart attacks. “The disease often begins at a younger age, at lower body weight, and brings complications more aggressively than in many other populations,” he explained.
The study, conducted with researchers from the US, UK, and Sri Lanka, also showed that the prevalence of diabetes is rising among young people in South Asia. Rapid urbanisation, changes in diet towards processed and refined foods, and sedentary lifestyles are worsening the situation.
South Asians were found to have certain physical and metabolic traits that make them more vulnerable. These include higher abdominal fat, more fat around the liver (hepatic fat), and lower muscle mass compared to white individuals of the same BMI. Additionally, their insulin-producing beta cells fail more quickly, leading to rapid rises in blood sugar levels.
As a result, South Asians often progress from prediabetes to full diabetes much faster and show higher blood sugar spikes after meals. This contributes to a greater burden of complications like cardiovascular disease, eye problems, and kidney failure.
Experts stress that early prevention is key. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a balanced diet can significantly reduce risk. However, limited access to affordable healthcare in many regions leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The researchers called for stronger healthcare systems, affordable treatment options, and population-wide preventive strategies to combat the growing diabetes crisis in South Asia.