'We can identify these really early, before the clinical diagnosis': Epigenetic markers may help explain why Native Hawaiians are aging faster
Research by Alika Maunakea highlights the role of epigenetics in health disparities among Native Hawaiians. Native Hawaiians experience higher rates of type 2 diabetes and related health issues compared to other populations in Hawaii. Understanding epigenetic modifications may lead to new strategies for addressing these health challenges.
- ▪Native Hawaiians have a higher prevalence and earlier onset of type 2 diabetes compared to other groups in Hawaii.
- ▪Epigenetics involves changes in gene activity without altering the DNA sequence itself.
- ▪Environmental factors such as diet and stress can influence epigenetic modifications.
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Health Genetics 'We can identify these really early, before the clinical diagnosis': Epigenetic markers may help explain why Native Hawaiians are aging faster Live Science spoke with Alika Maunakea, an Native Hawaiian epigeneticist, about how epigenetics underpins health disparities between Native Hawaiians and others in Hawaii. By Sophie Berdugo published 24 May 2026 in Interview MEMBER EXCLUSIVE When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Native Hawaiians have a higher prevalence, earlier age of onset and higher rate of mortality from type 2 diabetes compared to all other populations in the state of Hawaii.
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