MON-872 - Type 2 Diabetes Burden and Awareness in the U.S. Sikh Community

Background:
Endocrinological conditions, particularly Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), remain a significant health concern within the Sikh community. Genome-wide association studies have identified specific genetic loci associated with Type 2 diabetes in Sikhs. The Sikh Asian Indian community has also been reported to have high diabetes rates compared to other ethnic groups. Many Sikh men work in physically demanding jobs, which can lead to sedentary periods, high stress levels, and poor diet choices, all of which contribute to diabetes risk. Despite this, epidemiological data on endocrinological conditions, particularly diabetes, in the Sikh population in the United States remain limited. Awareness of preventive care and participation in clinical research also remain low.

Methods:
A survey was conducted among 473 Sikh adults through community-based outreach events led by “Sikhs in Clinical Research” across different states in the U.S. Self-reported data were collected on the prevalence of endocrinological conditions, including T2DM. Among participants reporting diabetes, additional data on demographics, family history, and diabetes-related complications were obtained.
A structured pre and post-event questionnaire was also administered to a subset of participants (n=73) to assess screening behaviors (including HbA1c testing), awareness of preventive care, and familiarity with clinical research.

Results:
Among 473 participants, 187 (40%) reported a diagnosis of an endocrinological condition, the majority attributable to Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Among participants with diabetes, 79% reported a family history of the disease, and approximately 38% reported diabetes-related complications. The affected population was predominantly aged ≥40 years and included both males and females.
Within the subset of participants (n=73), 48% reported prior HbA1c screening. Moreover, post-event responses showed that the willingness to undergo diabetes screening increased to 100%. Additionally, 46% of participants reported improved understanding of lifestyle modifications to reduce diabetes risk. Baseline awareness of clinical research was low, with 42% reporting no prior awareness and a mean awareness score of 2.6 (on a 1–7 scale). Following the outreach event, the mean awareness score increased to 6.2.

Conclusion:
These findings highlight a high prevalence of diabetes and related conditions within the Sikh community, coupled with gaps in awareness and preventive care. Community-based and culturally tailored education can significantly improve knowledge and willingness to engage in preventive care, emphasizing the importance of continued outreach and engagement to enhance prevention, timely diagnosis, and long-term better health outcomes.

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