Lipotoxicity and type 2 diabetes in South Asians

People of South Asian ethnicity are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) than people of European origin. The underlying causes for the higher susceptibility remain hard to pinpoint. A novel mechanism suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of T2D is lipotoxicity. The ultimate aim of this thesis was to identify targets to prevent T2D among South Asians specifically those related to dietary fat intake and ensuing lipotoxicity. Altogether, the studies included in this thesis confirmed that lipotoxicity is an underlying mechanism leading to T2D. Although incorporating strategies related to lipotoxicity-related mechanisms may decrease T2D risk, these will not likely decrease relative ethnic differences in T2D risk. Some leads that may explain the high T2D risk among South Asians independent of lipotoxicity were identified, and may be further explored in future studies.