Why does ethnicity or family history matter so much for type 2 diabetes risk, regardless of weight?

These reflect genuine biological and genetic factors that influence insulin sensitivity and how the body processes blood sugar, independent of body weight. Diabetes Canada specifically identifies people of African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, or South Asian descent as being at higher risk, alongside having a parent or sibling with diabetes. These are non-modifiable risk factors, which is why screening recommendations sometimes account for them even in people who don't fit the "typical" overweight profile often associated with the condition. References: https://obesitycanada.ca/healthcare-professionals/adult-clinical-practice-guideline/ https://guidelines.diabetes.ca/GuideLines/media/Docs/Quick%20Reference%20Guide/2024-CPG-Quick-Reference-Guide.pdf