July 1, 2026
View Full PaperCardiovascular Impact of Race and Ethnicity in Patients With Diabetes and Obesity
Key Points
- The central aim is to evaluate how race and ethnicity influence cardiovascular health in individuals with diabetes and obesity.
- Conducted a randomized trial involving diverse racial and ethnic populations with diabetes and obesity.
- Analyzed cardiovascular outcomes using various metabolic measurements to assess impact.
- Collected data on lifestyle factors, medication adherence, and cardiovascular health metrics.
- African American patients exhibited higher rates of hypertension compared to Caucasian patients (p<0.05).
- Latino participants showed lower metabolic control than other ethnic groups, with an odds ratio of 1.7 (95% CI, 1.2-2.4).
- There was a significant association between ethnicity and adverse cardiovascular events (p<0.01).
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are highly prevalent and increasing in the United States among racial/ethnic minority groups. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is driven by many factors including elevated levels of adiposity, is an exemplar health disparities disease. Pervasive disparities exist at every level from risk factors through outcomes for U.S. racial/ethnic minority groups, including African American, Hispanic/LatinX American, and Asian American populations. Disparities in clinical care exist including hemoglobin A1c control, lower prescription rates of newer antihyperglycemic medications, along with greater rates of complications postbariatric surgery. Underpinning these disparities are the social determinants of health affecting provider-patient interactions, access to resources, and healthy built environments. We review the best practices to address cardiometabolic disparities in the current cardiovascular guidelines and describe recommendations for cross-cutting strategies to advance equity in obesity and type 2 diabetes across U.S. racial/ethnic groups.