Comparison of Asian with Caucasian NIDDM patients showed Asians had higher mean indices of adiposity, more hypertension, higher triglycerides but lower LDL. When retinopathy was compared, Asian Indians, then Chinese, then Mauritians had DM for a longer, had higher fasting glucose, SBP and albuminuria. BMI decreased (highest in Indians, lowest in Mauritians).

So, among these three groups, Chinese were intermediate between Indians (who had highest markers) and Caucasians (who had lowest markers) in terms of indices of complications and risk factors.

Can you think what factors might account for such differences?