MayLee Health

Diabetes rates in Hmong Americans are significantly higher than the U.S. average, and they are rising.

Why it's increasing:

• Genetic predisposition toward insulin resistance
• Rapid dietary shift after immigration (more processed carbs, less traditional foods)
• Lower access to preventive care and screenings
• Cultural norms that delay seeking medical help

Studies show Hmong adults often present with diabetes earlier and with more complications.

High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease are growing problems in the Hmong community.

Why it's increasing:

• High-sodium diets (fish sauce, preserved foods, processed American foods)
• Low physical activity due to work patterns and urban living
• Limited routine checkups
• Language barriers that reduce understanding of long-term risk

Many Hmong patients are diagnosed late, often during emergency visits.

Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and intergenerational trauma are rising — especially among youth and elders.

Why it's increasing:

• Refugee trauma from war, displacement, and resettlement
• Stigma around mental illness in traditional Hmong culture
• Lack of culturally competent therapists
• Generational conflict between U.S.-born youth and immigrant parents

Mental health symptoms often appear as physical complaints, delaying proper treatment.

Cancer rates — particularly cervical cancer in women and liver/stomach cancer in men — are higher than in many other U.S. groups.

Why it's increasing:

• Low screening rates (Pap tests, HPV vaccination, colonoscopy)
• Limited access to primary care
• Cultural modesty and mistrust of invasive procedures
• Higher prevalence of hepatitis B in Southeast Asian refugee populations (linked to liver cancer)

Many cancers are detected late, when treatment is harder.