Health Profiles of Marshallese With and Without a Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis in the Republic of the Marshall Islands

BACKGROUND: The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) faces a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to document the health of Marshallese with and without a T2DM diagnosis to inform future interventions. DESIGN: Data are from screenings collected in preparation for a diabetes education intervention. Data, including HbA1c, random glucose, cholesterol, weight, and self-rated health, were collected. METHODS: Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher’s exact tests were used to identify differences in participants with and without T2DM diagnosis. RESULTS: There were significant differences in both HbA1c level (P ⩽ .0001) and glucose level (P ⩽ .0001) between the diagnosed T2DM and non-diagnosed T2DM groups, as well as diastolic blood pressure (P = .0179), systolic blood pressure (P = .0003), and pulse pressure (P = .0023). There were no differences in weight, body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, or self-rated health. Marshallese without a T2DM diagnosis have signs of insulin resistance, including elevated glucose and triglyceride levels. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a need for a socioecological approach to T2DM interventions, and interventions in the RMI should consider inclusion of blood pressure and cholesterol management. There is a need for interventions to prevent prediabetes and its progression to T2DM.