Mixed

South Asians have a 2-4 fold higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared to white populations but do not exhibit a correspondingly higher risk of cardiovascular complications, suggesting a protective mechanism or different pathophysiology.

If you are of South Asian descent with type 2 diabetes, you are at a much higher risk of developing the disease itself than white individuals, often at a younger age and lower BMI. However, your risk of heart disease and stroke may not be as high as the diabetes prevalence would suggest. This paradox means you should focus on early screening and management of diabetes to prevent it from progressing, as your body may handle the cardiovascular stress of diabetes differently than other groups.