MEC) Study. The development of type-2 diabetes has been linked to visceral adipose tissue (
VAT) or intra-abdominal fat, particularly in Japanese Americans with ectopic adipose tissue (
EAT), excess fat in locations that are not commonly associated with fat storage. This recent finding is one of hundreds informed by data from the
MEC since its launch in 1993.
A publication highlighted this new research, noting in many ethnic groups, obesity is often associated with type-2 diabetes. Conversely, Japanese Americans have relatively low body mass index levels but tend to have higher levels of
VAT and
EAT. This results in less testing than ethnic groups with higher obesity rates, which may be a factor in the high incidence among Japanese Americans.