Which ethnic groups are associated with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and, by extension, a higher risk for gestational diabetes?

• A. Black, Hispanic, American Indian
• B. White, non-Hispanic
• C. East Asian only
• D. Pacific Islander only

Answer: (A)

A number of ethnic groups carry a higher baseline risk for type 2 diabetes, and that elevated risk translates into a greater chance of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. In many populations, Black, Hispanic, and American Indian groups have higher rates of type 2 diabetes compared with White, non-Hispanic individuals. Because gestational diabetes is closely linked to insulin resistance and underlying metabolic risk, women from these higher-risk groups are also more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

The other options don’t capture the broader pattern of increased risk. White, non-Hispanic has a lower baseline risk, East Asian alone misses other high-risk groups, and Pacific Islander alone overlooks additional populations with elevated risk.