Risk prevalence for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult Hmong in Wisconsin: a pilot study

To quantify the proportion that may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes among a convenience sample of Hmong adults in Wisconsin using the 2000 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Clinical Practice Recommendations for community screening.

Design was a cross sectional survey. One hundred forty-four participants completed the survey, which consisted of a demographic questionnaire and the ADA Risk Test. Casual capillary whole blood glucose values, blood pressure, height, weight, and waist and hip circumference measures were also recorded. Predictors of positive casual capillary whole blood glucose value (> 140 mg/dl) were identified using logistic regression.

Forty-one percent demonstrated positive blood glucose screens on survey. Waist-to-hip ratio was a stronger predictor of a positive screen (Odds Ratio = 3.2 [95% CI: (1.5, 6.2)]) than the ADA Risk Test (Odds Ratio = 2.7 [95% CI: (1.4, 5.1)]).

Hmong adults in Wisconsin demonstrate an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Present findings are consistent with studies demonstrating increased disease risk in newly arrived populations of industrialized countries.