Diabetes, ethnic minority groups and COVID‐19: an inevitable storm

Abstract

The risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is two‐ to four‐fold higher in ethnic minority populations compared to White populations in the UK and is also associated with an increased risk of certain macrovascular and microvascular complications. Additionally, T2DM has an earlier onset in ethnic minority groups of around 10–12 years than in White populations. The exact reasons for the higher prevalence are unclear but include the complex interplay of biological, lifestyle, environmental and socioeconomic factors. This is further compounded by disparities in care received by ethnic minority populations. The UK was the first country to report on the disproportionate impact of COVID‐19 on ethnic minority groups. Diabetes is also a major risk factor for severe COVID‐19 and, combined with pre‐existing ethnic disparities in diabetes care, has been a significant contributor to inequalities in COVID‐19 outcomes for ethnic minority populations with diabetes including disproportionate hospitalisation and mortality. Major ethnic disparities in diabetes care in the US and UK, especially intermediate outcomes and diabetes complications, were evident prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, the COVID‐19 pandemic has exposed these pre‐pandemic health disparities for ethnic minority populations with diabetes. Similar to the higher risk of T2DM in ethnic minority populations, the exact reasons for higher risk of COVID‐19 in minority ethnic groups are complex and include comorbidities, risk factor control, deprivation and access to care including wider structural issues. As we now plan for recovery, it is imperative that those delivering diabetes care urgently address the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on ethnic minority populations. Reducing these inequalities will require a greater understanding of the causes. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.