[An image showing a sick young Asian woman sitting on the floor. Photo credits: Pexels]

Kawasaki disease, a serious childhood illness that causes inflammation of blood vessels, is several times more common in Japan and other East Asian countries than in the United States.

This intriguing difference has spurred scientists to research how genetics and environmental exposure influence risk levels across different populations. 

Epidemiologic studies show that genetic susceptibility contributes to the high incidence of Kawasaki disease among children of Asian descent.

This pattern of population-specific risk extends into chronic adult conditions as well, most notably type 2 diabetes.

Although East Asian adults often maintain a lower body weight than Western adults, they are more likely to develop diabetes even if they are not overweight.

This is because Asian people may store fat inside the body differently, and their bodies process insulin and sugar in a way that increases risk.

These biological differences were highlighted in a massive genomic study published in the journal Nature by Cassandra Spracklen, Xueling Sim, and a global team of over 100 researchers.

By analyzing data from over 430,000 individuals, the researchers identified hundreds of genetic signals, including dozens of new markers specifically linked to the East Asian population.

These findings include genes that affect how the body develops muscle and fat cells to help explain why Asian Americans experience considerably higher rates of diabetes than White Americans despite often having a lower body mass index (BMI).

Beyond diabetes, certain blood diseases, such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), also show striking differences between populations.

Asian patients often exhibit different types of gene changes than Western patients, which directly affects how the disease behaves and how doctors choose treatments.

The drivers behind these differences are a complex mix of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Understanding these differences can help people prevent diseases and get better treatment.

However, diet, exercise, and daily habits can either increase or decrease the risk as well.

For instance, Asian people who eat a more Western diet may have higher chances of diabetes or heart disease than those who eat traditional foods. 

Recognizing these patterns is already changing medical practice.

Some health groups now suggest using lower BMI thresholds for Asian adults when screening for diabetes, as standard Western limits may overlook individuals at high risk. 

Ultimately, these differences illustrate that human physiology is shaped by a unique combination of history, environment, and ancestry.

They underscore the vital importance of conducting research with diverse populations and creating health programs that fit different cultures.

Understanding both genetics and lifestyles allows medicine to move away from a “one size fits all” approach toward personalized care that fits each person better – not just for Asians, but for everyone.