Some racial and ethnic groups are hit harder than others when it comes to who has the highest rate of diabetes. Consider the facts about which racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. are the hardest hit with type 2 diabetes.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reveals that they are working with other agencies to address the severe disparity of how diabetes particularly affects minority groups. The FDA explains that minorities are more likely to experience complications from diabetes.

When considering which racial and ethnic groups are hit hardest by diabetes, it is important to consider the dates of the information. Statistics from a few years ago indicate that American Indians and Pacific Islanders have higher rates of type 2 diabetes. More recent information indicates that American Indians and Native Alaskans are at greatest risk of having diabetes.

Hispanics are the next hardest hit group, according to the 2020 article from the FDA. The next groups that are more likely to develop diabetes than white Americans include non-Hispanic blacks, Asian Americans, and non-Hispanic adults.

The diaTribe Foundation indicates that results of one study showed that indigenous populations were three times more likely to die, compared to other groups. Non-Hispanic Black Americans died 2.3 times more from diabetes issues, and Hispanic Americans were 1.5 times more likely to die, compared to other groups.

Why the divide?

There are several possible contributing factors for the groups hit hardest with diabetes and its complications.

Asian populations tend to carry deep body fat around their bellies, which is particularly problematic in developing insulin resistance. African American populations are at greater risk for potassium deficiencies than whites, increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes. Mexican immigrants to America who embrace the western diet have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Body type, diet, lifestyle, and genetics all play substantial roles in whether you develop diabetes. Some racial groups and ethnicities are more susceptible to diabetes.