Exploring the Role of Dietary Acculturation on Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Rates in Asian Indian Immigrants in the United States

As Asian Indian immigrants make up a significant community in the United States, it is important to explore how the unique diet and food behaviors in the community are contributing to the high rates of prediabetes and Type-2 diabetes (T2DM). The paper explores some key social and cultural factors affecting Asian Indian immigrant food culture and theorizes the impact of these factors on their health and well-being. Building on the Dietary Acculturation Paradox and Festival Food Theory, the paper examines how misconceptions about the American diet, combined with changes in eating habits, can lead to negative food behaviors among Asian Indian immigrants that increase the risk for diabetes. The theoretical framework seeks to highlight the need for culturally tailored public health interventions among Asian Indians and immigrants to tackle the growing rates of prediabetes and T2DM. Building on these connections, the paper recommends community-centered research to better understand the impact of dietary acculturation on immigrant health and develop long-term solutions to improve dietary health of immigrants in American food culture.