SKN South Asian Center for Diabetes & Heart Health
South Asians are the largest and fastest growing ethnic diaspora in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. Given the genetics, lifestyle, and immigration-specific trends of South Asians, chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease have become epidemics in this community. According to the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as many as 1 in 4 South Asians has diabetes. Half of those people do not know that they have it.
About Us
SKN South Asian Center for Diabetes & Heart Health
South Asians are among the largest and fastest-growing minority subgroups in the United States. South Asians experience significant disparities in diabetes and cardiovascular outcomes due to increased risk, limited and late diagnosis, and poor access to culturally appropriate health services. One out of five South Asian communities will develop diabetes with half at risk of being under or undiagnosed in their lifetime. Cardiovascular disease is the most common complication of diabetes in South Asians, occurring at a younger age and with more severe effects compared to the general population. The SKN South Asian Center for Diabetes and Heart Health is helping to raise awareness and provide navigation to people on how to better manage their health in response to health concerns that impact the South Asian community. Community members at high risk receive screenings, education, expert advice, and ongoing follow-up. When they return to their doctors for regular check-ups, patients are knowledgeable and focused on using preventive methods to lower their risk.
South Asians are among the largest and fastest-growing minority subgroups in the United States. South Asians experience significant disparities in diabetes and cardiovascular outcomes due to increased risk, limited and late diagnosis, and poor access to culturally appropriate health services. One out of five South Asian communities will develop diabetes with half at risk of being under or undiagnosed in their lifetime. Cardiovascular disease is the most common complication of diabetes in South Asians, occurring at a younger age and with more severe effects compared to the general population. The SKN South Asian Center for Diabetes and Heart Health is helping to raise awareness and provide navigation to people on how to better manage their health in response to health concerns that impact the South Asian community. Community members at high risk receive screenings, education, expert advice, and ongoing follow-up. When they return to their doctors for regular check-ups, patients are knowledgeable and focused on using preventive methods to lower their risk.
Some of the services provided are listed below:
- Access to culturally competent, expert care for patients with any ability to pay
- Early diabetes screenings including Hemoglobin A1C and Lipid Testing
- Community outreach to various faith-based and cultural organizations
- Advocacy at the local and state levels
- Healthcare navigation and guidance for appropriate care
Know the Numbers
These are the normal reference ranges for South Asians:
If you are South Asian, check your BMI here:
| A1C | 4.8-5.6% |
| Blood pressure | 90/60-120/80 mm Hg |
| BMI | 19-22 |
Indian Diabetes Risk Score:
