According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50% of Hispanic adults in the United States are expected to develop the chronic disease type 2 diabetes — a rate that is higher than for the average adult, who has a 40% likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. The CDC also estimates that Hispanic people are 50% more likely to die from the disease than white people are.

While Hispanic people overall are estimated to be at a higher risk for diabetes, they’re not the only group: The prevalence of diabetes is also higher among Alaska Natives, Native Americans, and black people, according to the American Diabetes Association. Research suggests various factors, including those related to genetics, lifestyle, and metabolism, likely play a role in these individuals’ greater risk.

An article published in August 2014 in Diabetes Care describes research that found the combination of a lack of awareness, health insurance disparities, and low household income may also play a role in the higher rates among Hispanic individuals in particular. And specific subgroups within the Hispanic community seem to be at various risks of developing type 2 diabetes, the article explains: For instance, while the prevalence of diabetes was highest in Mexicans, at 18.3%, it was lowest in South Americans, at 10.2%.

Source: Everyday Health