Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) levels within Native Hawaiian communities are one of the highest
among any of the world’s populations. No previous study has investigated the relationships between
genetic markers and risk phenotypes in Native Hawaiian populations nor factored in insights through oral
transmission. In the current study, determination of the basis of T2DM susceptibility in Hawai‘i is a twoperspective study: (1) a molecular approach through a screen of in question single nucleotide
polymorphism (SNP) markers for susceptibility to phenotypic risk factors of T2DM in a multiethnic sample
of children from Hawai‘i Island; and (2) an indigenous approach through oral communication with medical
practitioners in O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island communities who have been directly and indirectly affected by
T2DM. Presence of the susceptibility alleles in the ADRB2, GYS1, and SLC2A1 genes are consistent
including diet, with the phenotypic risk factors for T2DM. Six themes emerge through the interviews,
education, and accessibility, that contribute to the susceptibility and presence of T2DM in Hawai‘i
communities.