Hispanic Americans living in the United States and their risk for obesity, diabetes and kidney disease: Genetic and environmental considerations

Abstract

The Hispanic American, the largest minority population in the United States, is at increased risk for obesity, diabetes and end-stage renal disease. Here we review genetic and environmental factors that might account for their increased risk for these conditions. Whereas many environmental and genetic factors have important roles in driving the increased risk for obesity and kidney disease in this population, a case is made that excessive intake of sugary beverages is a contributory cause. Studies focusing on decreasing intake of sugary beverages among the Hispanic American could potentially reduce renal and cardiovascular complications in this population.

Keywords :

• Hispanic American
• diabetes
• obesity
• metabolic syndrome
• chronic kidney disease
• health disparities
• sugar
• fructose

Declaration of interest

R Johnson, CA Roncal-Jimenez, MA Lanaspa and LG Sánchez-Lozada hold shares in Colorado Research Partners, who are trying to develop fructose inhibitors. R Johnson and MA Lanaspa are listed as inventors on patent applications for the University of Colorado. R Johnson is also on the scientific board for Amway and holds stock in XORT. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes