Diabetes and its related risk factors among Russian-speaking immigrants in New York State

Russian-speakers, one of the largest groups of new immigrants in New York, are characterized by high proportions of refugees, and elderly and urban residents. To understand the extent of diabetes and its risks in this population, client data from a large state-wide diabetes prevention program were used. The prevalence of diabetes among Russian-speaking immigrants aged 40 years and older (N=1,008) was 16.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.6, 19.3). Russian-speaking immigrants also exhibited a high prevalence of obesity, defined by BMI > or = 30 (33.2%, 95% CI: 30.4, 36.2), high blood pressure (53.8%, 95% CI: 50.7, 56.8), and sedentary lifestyle (69.8%, 95% CI: 67.0, 72.6). After adjusting for age, these rates were significantly higher (P<.01) than the rates for non-Hispanic Whites in the state. Women, urban residents, those with less than a high school education, and Medicaid recipients, were more likely to be at risk. The literature on Russian immigrants suggests an association between dietary behavior, economic hardship, cultural and linguistic barriers, and less favorable health outcomes.