Do sociodemographics and economic status predict risks for type II diabetes in African Americans?

The prevalence of type II diabetes and the metabolic characteristics in high-risk African Americans were examined to determine whether certain socioeconomic and demographic characteristics (SED) increase the risk for type II diabetes in this population. Study participants were high-risk African Americans between the ages of 25 and 64 years. Glucose tolerance status was assessed and questionnaires were completed to obtain information regarding SED, hypertension, and physical activity. The majority of patients had normal glucose tolerance; undiagnosed type II diabetes was identified in 36 of 164 patients. Questionnaire data revealed that, in highly selected African Americans at risk for type II diabetes, there was a higher rate of obesity, prior gestational diabetes, and undiagnosed type II diabetes despite higher educational and income levels and greater access to health care and recreational facilities. Findings indicate that African Americans may be at higher risk for type II diabetes, regardless of socioeconomic status, due to genetic inheritance and other unknown environmental determinants. Further studies are needed to characterize SED and metabolic profiles that confer a high risk for type II diabetes in this population.