How British colonialism increased diabetes in south Asians | It's Complicated

Summary

South Asians today are four to six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white people. Recent research has revealed the role of British colonialism in increasing diabetes rates. During the British Raj, there were 25 major famines, killing at least 60 million Indians. British policies, such as harsh land taxes and food exportation, worsened the impact of droughts. The Bengal famine of 1943, in which over 3 million people died, was directly linked to British policies. These famines, coupled with exploitative trading practices, have had a lasting impact on how South Asian bodies store fat and process sugar today through epigenetics.

South Asians today are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes due to the impact of famines during British colonial rule.
The famines caused south Asian genes to adapt to starvation, making them more prone to diabetes and other diseases.
Surviving a famine increases the risk of diabetes in the next generation, and the risk doubles for high blood sugar in the survivor's grandchildren.
South Asian bodies have become resistant to insulin, leading to increased fat storage and a higher risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Lifestyle choices such as returning to traditional food and exercise practices can reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Decolonizing health research and providing tailored advice for different ethnicities is necessary to address the impact of colonialism on health.

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