Confronting Type 2 Diabetes in South Asians in the Greater Toronto Area: Turning the Tide

Abstract

The South Asian population is rapidly growing in the Greater Toronto Area, with a growth rate of 10.6% vs the national average of 5.2%. Diabetes disproportionately affects South Asians with a prevalence that is 8.1-fold higher than that in Caucasians, with increased risk of macro- and microvascular complications. There are several risk factors that have been identified, including 24 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, higher insulin resistance, low mean skeletal mass with higher visceral fat, and socioeconomic and family stressors. South Asians are the largest visible minority in Canada, and these factors, alongside a lack of accessible primary care, have led to vital gaps in diabetes care and management. A holistic approach with culturally inclusive team-based strategies is proposed to improve health outcomes for South Asians living in Canada.