– Why do some ethic groups have increased chances of getting certain diseases?

Question

For example, during pregnancy African Americans are said to have a higher chance of getting preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Genetically, what’s happening here?

In: 72

Answer 1

The simplest explanation is that for most of human history, populations have been geographically restricted. Certain mutations persist because reproduction happens only within a population instead of between populations. And that happens for like hundreds of generations.

For some things, it’s cultural practices. Ex. Japanese people tend to get more throat cancer because they eat a ton more grilled food. Greater chance of carcinogens from them. Etc.