Diabetes distress is a prevalent issue among South Asian immigrants in New York City, according to a recent study published in BMC Public Health. Conducted by Ph.D. student Farhan Mohsin and his team as part of the Diabetes Research, Education, and Action for Minorities (DREAM) Initiative, the study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes distress in this population.
The research found that more than one in four participants experienced high emotional distress related to managing their diabetes. Factors such as poor mental health were significantly associated with increased likelihood of diabetes distress, emotional burden, and physician-related distress. Higher levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were linked to regimen-related distress. Interestingly, individuals born in Bangladesh had lower odds of experiencing diabetes distress compared to those from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
“These findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health screening into diabetes care for South Asian communities,” says Farhan Mohsin. “It is crucial to address the emotional and psychological aspects of diabetes management to improve overall health outcomes in this population.”
Moving forward, the study suggests that future research should focus on the long-term effects of diabetes distress on self-management and health outcomes. By understanding the impact of mental health, HbA1c levels, and social support on diabetes distress, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to better support individuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
For more information on this study, you can refer to the publication in BMC Public Health titled “Diabetes distress among immigrants of South Asian descent living in New York City: baseline results from the DREAM randomized control trial” by Farhan Mohsin et al. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-21535-8.
This research was provided by The City University of New York, emphasizing the importance of addressing diabetes distress among South Asian immigrants in NYC. By raising awareness and implementing targeted interventions, healthcare professionals can better support individuals with diabetes in this community.
