Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStatisticsBy EthnicityCausesComplicationsScreeningFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Statistics
By Ethnicity
Causes
Complications
Screening
Frequently Asked Questions
This article is part ofHealth Divide: Type 2 Diabetes in People of Color, a destination in our Health Divide series.
Diabetesis a disease that happens when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 37 million Americans have diabetes, with most having type 2 diabetes.Type 2 diabetesis most often diagnosed in adults. However, diagnoses in adolescents and children are increasing.
The CDC also reported that from 2018 to 2019, the rate of adults in the United States diagnosed with diabetes was highest among people belonging to certain ethnic and racial groups, including American Indians and Alaska Natives, non-Hispanic Blacks, people of Hispanic origin, and non-Hispanic Asians.These are also groups that experience high levels of systemic racism, which research links to increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
This article explores how type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects these populations, risk factors and complications for type 2 diabetes, and how early screening and detection will help with the overall treatment of type 2 diabetes.
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How Common Is Type 2 Diabetes in Black and Brown People?
In 2019, about 1 in 10 people of all ages in the United States had diabetes.Additionally, an estimated 96 million adults (about one in three) haveprediabetes.Prediabetes is blood sugar that is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
Among adults in the United States, the rate of diagnosed diabetes in 2019 was 5.7 per 1,000 adults, which is just slightly lower than in 2000, which was 6.2 per 1,000 adults.
However, among adolescents from 2002 to 2015, the rate of type 2 diabetes remained stable among non-Hispanic Whites but significantly increased for all other race/ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic Blacks.
Type 2 Diabetes By Ethnicity
Among adults of Hispanic origin, those with origins in Mexico and Puerto Rico had the highest prevalence at 14.4% and 12.4%, respectively. The prevalence in people with origins in Central or South America was 8.3%, and those with origins in Cuba had a 6.5% prevalence.
Among non-Hispanic Asians, those with origins in India and the Philippines had the highest prevalence at 12.6% and 10.4%, respectively, with a 5.6% prevalence in those with origins in China. There was a prevalence of 9.9% in other Asian groups combined.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes in Black and Brown People
Socioeconomic status and related modifiable risk factors directly contribute to the differences in the rate of diabetes prevalence seen between Black and White adults in the U.S.
Having a close family member (such as a parent or sibling) with type 2 diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.However, there are additional factors beyondgeneticsthat play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Other risk factors include:
A high intake of mainly processed foods high in sugar and sodium and low in fiber promotes fat formation in the liver, which starts the cascade that results in diabetes and metabolic disease. This is also more common in some Black and Brown communities, such as Black Americans and Mexican Americans, due the ways systemic racism limits access to healthy foods in their neighborhoods.
Some studies have shown that, regardless of weight, compared to non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks and Mexican Americans have moreinsulin resistance, as well as increased amounts ofinsulinbeing released in the body, and higher than normal insulin in the blood.
Additional studies have shown similar changes in glucose metabolism in other ethnic groups. For example, many studies suggest that Asian Americans have increased insulin resistance and decreased insulin output compared to non-Hispanic Whites.
Another study showed that Native Americans with diabetes had decreased insulin sensitivity compared with non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanic Americans.
Without access to fundamental necessities and a safe environment, Black and Brown people may struggle to obtain healthy foods or participate in physical activity on a regular basis. As a result, a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes is increased.
Black and Brown people are significantly more likely to live in poverty than White people. According to the Census Bureau, in 2019, Black people had an 18.8% poverty rate, and Hispanic Americans had a 15.7% poverty rate, compared to 7.3% of non-Hispanic Whites.
Complications of Type 2 Diabetes in Black and Brown People
According to a 2013 study, Black and Brown people have a higher chance of developingcomplications from type 2 diabetes. These complications include:
The CDC reports that racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. have higher rates of illness and death across a wide range of health conditions, including diabetes, when compared to White Americans. Additionally, the life expectancy of non-Hispanic Black Americans is four years less than White Americans.
One reason for the risk of increased complications may be due to socioeconomic status and lack of health insurance or access to care. The social determinants of health can impact the risk of type 2 diabetes for Black and Brown people, as well as their ability to get the proper education, care, and treatment they need to prevent complications from occurring.
Although socioeconomic status certainly plays a role, no conversation on health and diabetes status in Black and Brown people would be complete without recognizing and challenging racism in America.
Screening and Early Detection of Type 2 Diabetes in Black and Brown People
Early screening and detection are critical with the overall prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Attending regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help with early identification and treatment.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that all people be screened regularly for diabetes and prediabetes beginning at age 35. Adults who are overweight or obese and who have certain risk factors should be screened earlier. This includes people from groups with higher incidence and prevalence of diabetes, including American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander people.
Addressing health disparities at a community and societal level is vital to the overall health and well-being of Black and Brown people. Obtaining access to health care, affordable medications, fresh foods, quality education, and safe environments for regular physical activity is fundamental to improving quality of life.
More research is needed on the effects of screening on health outcomes that include populations that reflect the rate of diabetes in America, especially racial and ethnic groups that have a higher rate of diabetes compared to White people.
In addition to regular visits with a healthcare team, lifestyle interventions that focus on improving diet and increasing physical activity can also help prevent or delay the progression to diabetes in Black and Brown people.
Even though there may be genetic factors that predispose a person to disease, lifestyle interventions are an important tool for prevention.
Summary
Also, Black and Brown people have a higher chance of developing diabetes complications. Early screening and detection can play a pivotal role in the overall prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in Black and Brown people.
A Word From Verywell
Positive turns in promoting cultural competency and anti-racism in health care, as well as improving access to health care, healthful foods, and safe environments, can promote future change.
Advocating for yourself is vital to your success and health as an individual and Black or Brown person. Forming a good rapport with a healthcare team and getting annual check-ups can help you prevent or effectively manage a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, enabling you to do the things you love and live a high quality of life.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA troubling statistic is seen among youth ages 10 to 19, comparing the period from 2002 to 2010 to the period from 2011 to 2015. The incidence of type 2 diabetes did not change for non-Hispanic White youth. But the incidence increased significantly for other racial/ethnic groups, especially in non-Hispanic Black youth.Learn MoreType 2 Diabetes: Statistics and FactsComplications of poorly treated diabetes include problems with feet, oral health, vision, hearing, mental health, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and nerve damage.Learn MoreWhat Are Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?In 2018, non-Hispanic Black Americans were twice as likely as non-Hispanic White Americans to die from diabetes. Additionally, the age-adjusted death rate from diabetes among non-Hispanic Black adults was 47.6% among males and 33.1% among females.Learn MoreDiabetes and Heart Disease Risk in Black People
A troubling statistic is seen among youth ages 10 to 19, comparing the period from 2002 to 2010 to the period from 2011 to 2015. The incidence of type 2 diabetes did not change for non-Hispanic White youth. But the incidence increased significantly for other racial/ethnic groups, especially in non-Hispanic Black youth.Learn MoreType 2 Diabetes: Statistics and Facts
A troubling statistic is seen among youth ages 10 to 19, comparing the period from 2002 to 2010 to the period from 2011 to 2015. The incidence of type 2 diabetes did not change for non-Hispanic White youth. But the incidence increased significantly for other racial/ethnic groups, especially in non-Hispanic Black youth.
Learn MoreType 2 Diabetes: Statistics and Facts
Complications of poorly treated diabetes include problems with feet, oral health, vision, hearing, mental health, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and nerve damage.Learn MoreWhat Are Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?
Complications of poorly treated diabetes include problems with feet, oral health, vision, hearing, mental health, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Learn MoreWhat Are Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?
In 2018, non-Hispanic Black Americans were twice as likely as non-Hispanic White Americans to die from diabetes. Additionally, the age-adjusted death rate from diabetes among non-Hispanic Black adults was 47.6% among males and 33.1% among females.Learn MoreDiabetes and Heart Disease Risk in Black People
In 2018, non-Hispanic Black Americans were twice as likely as non-Hispanic White Americans to die from diabetes. Additionally, the age-adjusted death rate from diabetes among non-Hispanic Black adults was 47.6% among males and 33.1% among females.
Learn MoreDiabetes and Heart Disease Risk in Black People
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National diabetes statistics report.American Journal of Managed Care.Recognizing the Role of Systemic Racism in Diabetes Disparities.Rowley WR, Bezold C, Arikan Y, Byrne E, Krohe S.Diabetes 2030: insights from yesterday, today, and future trends.Popul Health Manag. 2017;20(1):6-12. doi:10.1089/pop.2015.0181Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes risk factors.Bancks MP, Kershaw K, Carson AP, Gordon-Larsen P, Schreiner PJ, Carnethon MR.Association of modifiable risk factors in young adulthood with racial disparity in incident type 2 diabetes during middle adulthood.JAMA. 2017;318(24):2457-2465. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.19546The Guardian.Food Apartheid: The Root of the Problem with America’s Groceries.Spanakis EK, Golden SH.Race/ethnic difference in diabetes and diabetic complications.Curr Diab Rep. 2013;13(6):814-823. doi:10.1007/s11892-013-0421-9United States Census Bureau.Poverty rates for blacks and hispanics reached historic lows in 2019.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Racism and health.Nkwata AK, Song X, Zhang M, Ezeamama AmaraE.Change in quality of life over eight years in a nationally representative sample of US adults with heart disease and type 2 diabetes:minority race and toxic stress as key social determinants.BMC Public Health. 2020;20:684. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-08842-yAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2. Diagnosis and classification of diabetes:Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024.Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S20-S42. doi:10.2337/dc24-S002Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes complications.US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.Diabetes and African Americans.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National diabetes statistics report.American Journal of Managed Care.Recognizing the Role of Systemic Racism in Diabetes Disparities.Rowley WR, Bezold C, Arikan Y, Byrne E, Krohe S.Diabetes 2030: insights from yesterday, today, and future trends.Popul Health Manag. 2017;20(1):6-12. doi:10.1089/pop.2015.0181Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes risk factors.Bancks MP, Kershaw K, Carson AP, Gordon-Larsen P, Schreiner PJ, Carnethon MR.Association of modifiable risk factors in young adulthood with racial disparity in incident type 2 diabetes during middle adulthood.JAMA. 2017;318(24):2457-2465. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.19546The Guardian.Food Apartheid: The Root of the Problem with America’s Groceries.Spanakis EK, Golden SH.Race/ethnic difference in diabetes and diabetic complications.Curr Diab Rep. 2013;13(6):814-823. doi:10.1007/s11892-013-0421-9United States Census Bureau.Poverty rates for blacks and hispanics reached historic lows in 2019.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Racism and health.Nkwata AK, Song X, Zhang M, Ezeamama AmaraE.Change in quality of life over eight years in a nationally representative sample of US adults with heart disease and type 2 diabetes:minority race and toxic stress as key social determinants.BMC Public Health. 2020;20:684. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-08842-yAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2. Diagnosis and classification of diabetes:Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024.Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S20-S42. doi:10.2337/dc24-S002Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes complications.US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.Diabetes and African Americans.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National diabetes statistics report.American Journal of Managed Care.Recognizing the Role of Systemic Racism in Diabetes Disparities.Rowley WR, Bezold C, Arikan Y, Byrne E, Krohe S.Diabetes 2030: insights from yesterday, today, and future trends.Popul Health Manag. 2017;20(1):6-12. doi:10.1089/pop.2015.0181Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes risk factors.Bancks MP, Kershaw K, Carson AP, Gordon-Larsen P, Schreiner PJ, Carnethon MR.Association of modifiable risk factors in young adulthood with racial disparity in incident type 2 diabetes during middle adulthood.JAMA. 2017;318(24):2457-2465. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.19546The Guardian.Food Apartheid: The Root of the Problem with America’s Groceries.Spanakis EK, Golden SH.Race/ethnic difference in diabetes and diabetic complications.Curr Diab Rep. 2013;13(6):814-823. doi:10.1007/s11892-013-0421-9United States Census Bureau.Poverty rates for blacks and hispanics reached historic lows in 2019.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Racism and health.Nkwata AK, Song X, Zhang M, Ezeamama AmaraE.Change in quality of life over eight years in a nationally representative sample of US adults with heart disease and type 2 diabetes:minority race and toxic stress as key social determinants.BMC Public Health. 2020;20:684. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-08842-yAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2. Diagnosis and classification of diabetes:Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024.Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S20-S42. doi:10.2337/dc24-S002Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes complications.US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.Diabetes and African Americans.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National diabetes statistics report.
Rowley WR, Bezold C, Arikan Y, Byrne E, Krohe S.Diabetes 2030: insights from yesterday, today, and future trends.Popul Health Manag. 2017;20(1):6-12. doi:10.1089/pop.2015.0181
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes risk factors.
Bancks MP, Kershaw K, Carson AP, Gordon-Larsen P, Schreiner PJ, Carnethon MR.Association of modifiable risk factors in young adulthood with racial disparity in incident type 2 diabetes during middle adulthood.JAMA. 2017;318(24):2457-2465. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.19546
The Guardian.Food Apartheid: The Root of the Problem with America’s Groceries.
Spanakis EK, Golden SH.Race/ethnic difference in diabetes and diabetic complications.Curr Diab Rep. 2013;13(6):814-823. doi:10.1007/s11892-013-0421-9
United States Census Bureau.Poverty rates for blacks and hispanics reached historic lows in 2019.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Racism and health.
Nkwata AK, Song X, Zhang M, Ezeamama AmaraE.Change in quality of life over eight years in a nationally representative sample of US adults with heart disease and type 2 diabetes:minority race and toxic stress as key social determinants.BMC Public Health. 2020;20:684. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-08842-y
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2. Diagnosis and classification of diabetes:Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024.Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S20-S42. doi:10.2337/dc24-S002
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes complications.
US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.Diabetes and African Americans.
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