longevity

Found this interesting when researching mitochondrial function in South Asians. 

A 2008 study in Diabetes reported that Asian Indians exhibit higher skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity despite severe insulin resistance, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction may not be the primary cause of insulin resistance in this population. However, subsequent research indicates that mitochondrial function’s role in insulin resistance among South Asians is complex, with factors like reduced fatty acid oxidation and ectopic fat deposition also contributing.

Research indicates that genetic factors significantly contribute to insulin resistance, with variations across Asian subgroups. For South Asians, studies suggest a lower ability to secrete insulin, linked to reduced beta-cell function, as noted in a review article (Why are South Asians prone to type 2 diabetes? A hypothesis based on underexplored pathways). This means their pancreas may struggle to produce enough insulin, leading to insulin resistance, especially under lifestyle challenges. For East Asians, a study highlights early beta-cell dysfunction, evident immediately after glucose ingestion, as a primary characteristic (β Cell Dysfunction vs Insulin Resistance in East Asians). This dysfunction, combined with genetic predisposition, makes East Asians more susceptible to insulin resistance at lower BMIs compared to Caucasians