Abstract

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant global health challenge, especially for South Asian populations who have a higher risk due to genetic, lifestyle, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. This review paper assesses the effectiveness of interventions targeting T2DM prevention and management in South Asian populations. Design: A systematic search of studies published in the last 10 years was conducted, focusing on systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses. Databases included PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and others, following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for umbrella reviews. Setting: The review included South Asian individuals from countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, examining various T2DM management interventions compared to usual care or control. Participants: Out of 283 articles, 21 systematic reviews were included. These reviews covered a wide range of South Asianpopulations, including those with T2DM, pre-diabetes, or high-risk, residing in diverse regions and socioeconomic contexts. Results: The findings highlight the effectiveness of interventions targeting T2DM among South Asian populations. Interventions such as dietary modifications, physical activity programs, self-management education, culturally tailored initiatives, and mobile health interventions significantly improved glycaemic control, weight reduction, and patient satisfaction. Comprehensive education, multidisciplinary teams, and support networks were identified as crucial facilitators for promoting healthier behaviours among South Asians. Conclusions: This review underscores the effectiveness of culturally tailored interventions in preventing and managing T2DM among South Asian populations. Collaborative, culturally sensitive approaches and partner engagement are crucial for addressing the unique challenges in diabetes care in South Asians.