The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62730

Ranjita Misra, PhD, CHES, Health&Kinesiology Department, Texas A&M University, 4243 TAMU, 158P Read Building, College Station, TX 77843-4243, 979-845-8726, misra@hlkn.tamu.edu and Thakor Patel, Dept of Renal Diseases, Oncology, & Diabetes, Veteran Health Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20420, Washington DC, DC 20420.

Asian Indians are the third largest Asian immigrant group in the US. However, they have been relatively neglected in terms of diabetes and cardiovascular research. This study compares the perceived risk and actual prevalence of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease among immigrant Asian Indians. Data was collected via telephone interviews from 226 randomly selected Asian Indians in Houston, TX. Clinical data consisted of fasting blood sugar, HbA1c levels, and lipid profile. The respondents (65% males and 35% females) had a mean age of 48.1 years (SD=11.6). Results indicated 19% were diabetics; 12% of these had poor control. Among those who reported they did not have diabetes, 75% had fasting blood sugar <110mg/dl, 17% had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (110-125mg/dl), and 8% had diabetes. Prevalence of diabetes was 25% in general. Beliefs and attitudes regarding diabetes did not differ by gender and showed that 94% of the respondents believed that all adults should be regularly screened for diabetes, 14% believed getting diabetes is a matter of fate or karma, 10% said it is completely on God’s will to get diabetes, and 75% perceived it can be completely controlled if detected early. Clinical data showed 13% had hypertension, 53% were overweight/obese, and 41% had Waist-hip-ratio >0.90. Furthermore, 42% and 38% had high levels of cholesterol and triglyceride respectively; 13% had high Lipoprotein a. Results indicate Asian Indians are a vulnerable population for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There is an urgent need to promote screening, education and preventive strategies, which will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• 1. Describe the prevalence of diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and abnormal levels of lipid profile among the respondents.
• 2. List the attitudes and beliefs regarding diabetes prevention and screening practices among Asian Indians residing in the U.S.
• 3. Discuss possible strategies to promote screening and preventive strategies for diabetes and cardiovascular disease among the Asian Indians.

Keywords: Diabetes, Heart Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.