Pathophysiology of Diabetes in South Asia
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Mentor Information
Dr. Holly Donahue Singh
Description
Diabetes is a chronic disease where the body’s response to insulin is impaired, resulting in an inability to metabolize carbohydrates efficiently and effectively. Although it affects hundreds of millions of people around the world, its grip seems disproportionately strong on South Asians. Emerging data from epidemiological studies reveal that South Asians have a four times higher risk for type 2 diabetes than other ethnic groups, forming one of the epicenters of the global diabetes epidemic. This is not simply the result of South Asian lure to sugary food; rather, the onset of diabetes is affected by a multitude of factors – both environmental and genetic. Through this poster, we hope to simplify the complexities surrounding diabetes in order to allow this disease to be better understood. Recent studies have showcased that diabetes in South Asians was often caused by an increased propensity in insulin resistance, due to many factors such as higher levels of body fat and lower lean mass. Along with genetics, the nutritious composition of South Asian diets also plays a role. Exploring the propensity of diabetic risk in South Asians delves into a realm of increasing nuance and depth: one which we hope to clarify. Thus, this research poster not only will present the various risk factors that spur the onset of diabetes, and its prevalence among the South Asian population, but also pave the way for holistic treatment and incremental, societal reform.
Pathophysiology of Diabetes in South Asia
Diabetes is a chronic disease where the body’s response to insulin is impaired, resulting in an inability to metabolize carbohydrates efficiently and effectively. Although it affects hundreds of millions of people around the world, its grip seems disproportionately strong on South Asians. Emerging data from epidemiological studies reveal that South Asians have a four times higher risk for type 2 diabetes than other ethnic groups, forming one of the epicenters of the global diabetes epidemic. This is not simply the result of South Asian lure to sugary food; rather, the onset of diabetes is affected by a multitude of factors – both environmental and genetic. Through this poster, we hope to simplify the complexities surrounding diabetes in order to allow this disease to be better understood. Recent studies have showcased that diabetes in South Asians was often caused by an increased propensity in insulin resistance, due to many factors such as higher levels of body fat and lower lean mass. Along with genetics, the nutritious composition of South Asian diets also plays a role. Exploring the propensity of diabetic risk in South Asians delves into a realm of increasing nuance and depth: one which we hope to clarify. Thus, this research poster not only will present the various risk factors that spur the onset of diabetes, and its prevalence among the South Asian population, but also pave the way for holistic treatment and incremental, societal reform.
