Srg. Ferreira et al., DISTURBANCES OF GLUCOSE AND LIPID-METABOLISM IN FIRST AND 2ND GENERATION JAPANESE-BRAZILIANS, Diabetes research and clinical practice, 34, 1996, pp. 59-63
Increased prevalence of self-reported NIDDM in Japanese-Brazilians was
reported when compared to Japan. This study aimed at determining the
prevalence of NIDDM and IGT in Japanese-Brazilians living in the city
of Bauru, Sao Paulo. Brazil. The impact of western environment on the
frequency of obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension was investigated.
All Issei (first generation; n=238) and a random sample of Nisei (seco
nd generation; n=292), aged 40-79 years, were selected for clinical ex
amination and OGTT (WHO criteria), Age-adjusted prevalence of NIDDM di
d not differ between men and women for Issei (12.4 vs, 11.6%, respecti
vely), but it became different for Nisei (21.7 vs. 11.4%, P <0.03) due
to an increased rate among men. Increased IGT prevalence was also obs
erved between Issei and Nisei men (8.5 vs 19.3%, P <0.03). Issei women
had a higher IGT rate than Issei men (27.3 vs. 8.5%, P <0.0005). Body
mass index (BMI) was higher in the second generation (24.1+/-3.6 vs.
23.3+/-3.1 kg/m(2), P <0.00005) and also the frequency of obesity, def
ined as BMI >25 kg/m(2). Comparison of waist/hip ratio by gender showe
d that only among women, Nisei had lower ratio than Issei (0.90 vs. 0.
88, P <0.05). Nisei had a lower total and LDL-cholesterol than Issei b
ut triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol did not differ. Nisei women (young
er than the Issei) had lower triglyceride and total cholesterol. This
pattern was not seen between the two generations of men. Considering t
he mean blood pressure values, Issei and Nisei groups with normal gluc
ose tolerance were not hypertensive. Systolic blood pressure was lower
in Nisei and the inverse was found concerning diastolic levels, NIDDM
prevalence in Japanese-Brazilians is higher than in Japan and in the
general Brazilian population. Besides environment, genetic factors may
confer susceptibility to NIDDM when they are exposed to a western env
ironment. Before developing glucose intolerance, disturbances of lipid
profile and blood pressure could be detected. Nisei may be more affec
ted due to a longer exposure to an unfavorable environment and these c
hanges seem to occur earlier among men than women.