Abstract

Asian Diabetes

Tai E Shyong, Associate Professor, National University of Singapore

The burden of type 2 diabetes is growing rapidly particularly in Asia. The basic pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance and impaired function of the ß-cells. There are some subtle differences in the manifestations of type 2 diabetes in different ethnic groups. Our studies suggest that the relationship between obesity and insulin resistance differs between Chinese, Malays and Indians living in Singapore. The prevailing paradigm holds that this relates to differences in the distribution of adipose tissue between the visceral and sub-cutaneous compartments. Our studies suggest that this is not the case. Indians appear to have insulin resistance that is present even at low levels of adiposity, which may relate to a primary defect in insulin signaling at the level of muscle. In contrast, Chinese and Malays appear to be very sensitive to the effects of increasing adiposity.