College
College of Arts and Sciences
Mentor Information
Dr. Olukemi Akintewe
Description
This paper examines how Western biomedical framing of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has shaped prevention and treatment strategies in South Asian populations, often with limited effectiveness. The dominant Western model emphasizes individual responsibility, standardized dietary guidelines, and generalized treatment protocols. While these approaches have proven useful in broader populations, they frequently fail to address the distinct biological, cultural, and structural realities that influence T2D risk among South Asians. A key limitation lies in the underrecognition of earlier metabolic risk. South Asian individuals tend to develop T2D at younger ages and lower body mass index (BMI) levels compared to European populations, challenging conventional diagnostic thresholds. Genetic predisposition further compounds this disparity, as studies demonstrate that South Asians are more likely to exhibit impaired insulin secretion, reduced beta-cell function, and unfavorable fat distribution, significantly increasing susceptibility to T2D. Cultural norms also play a critical role, particularly in shaping dietary practices, perceptions of health, and attitudes toward physical activity. Western dietary recommendations often do not align with traditional South Asian diets, limiting adherence and effectiveness. Additionally, structural determinants—including socioeconomic status, access to culturally competent healthcare, and systemic inequities—further influence disease outcomes but are frequently overlooked in standardized models. Overall, this paper argues that Western biomedical approaches are insufficient when applied uniformly to South Asian populations. More effective prevention and treatment strategies require culturally tailored interventions, earlier screening criteria, and a broader framework that integrates genetic risk, cultural context, and structural factors to reduce disparities in T2D outcomes.
How Has Western Biomedical Framing of Type 2 Diabetes Shaped Prevention and Treatment in South Asian Populations?
This paper examines how Western biomedical framing of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has shaped prevention and treatment strategies in South Asian populations, often with limited effectiveness. The dominant Western model emphasizes individual responsibility, standardized dietary guidelines, and generalized treatment protocols. While these approaches have proven useful in broader populations, they frequently fail to address the distinct biological, cultural, and structural realities that influence T2D risk among South Asians. A key limitation lies in the underrecognition of earlier metabolic risk. South Asian individuals tend to develop T2D at younger ages and lower body mass index (BMI) levels compared to European populations, challenging conventional diagnostic thresholds. Genetic predisposition further compounds this disparity, as studies demonstrate that South Asians are more likely to exhibit impaired insulin secretion, reduced beta-cell function, and unfavorable fat distribution, significantly increasing susceptibility to T2D. Cultural norms also play a critical role, particularly in shaping dietary practices, perceptions of health, and attitudes toward physical activity. Western dietary recommendations often do not align with traditional South Asian diets, limiting adherence and effectiveness. Additionally, structural determinants—including socioeconomic status, access to culturally competent healthcare, and systemic inequities—further influence disease outcomes but are frequently overlooked in standardized models. Overall, this paper argues that Western biomedical approaches are insufficient when applied uniformly to South Asian populations. More effective prevention and treatment strategies require culturally tailored interventions, earlier screening criteria, and a broader framework that integrates genetic risk, cultural context, and structural factors to reduce disparities in T2D outcomes.
