第99回日本産業衛生学会

座長: 林　朝茂（大阪公立大学大学院医学研究科産業医学）

Metabolic Diseases in Japanese Americans: Finding from the Japanese American Community Diabetes Study
■Importance of Diabetes Prevention in Occupational Health
Among efforts to prevent lifestyle-related diseases in occupational health, diabetes remains one of the most important challenges.
Compared with Western populations, Japanese individuals have lower insulin secretory capacity and are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, even with relatively mild obesity. The East Asia and Western Pacific regions are expected to become central areas for global diabetes prevention in the coming years. In this special lecture, we are honored to welcome Prof. Edward Boyko (University of Washington), a leading expert in diabetes epidemiology, who will discuss the scientific basis of these issues and their implications for practice.
■A Landmark Cohort Study Highlighting the Characteristics of Japanese Populations
The Japanese American Community Diabetes Study (JACDS), one of the most influential studies in diabetes epidemiology, began at the University of Washington in 1983. It has been conducted under the leadership of Prof. Wilfred Fujimoto and later Prof. Edward Boyko.
The study was conducted under a highly rigorous protocol, including the comprehensive administration of the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to all participants of Japanese ancestry (second- and third-generation). The study also holds a pioneering position as a prospective cohort study that evaluated visceral adiposity using computed tomography. Even before the concept of metabolic syndrome was widely recognized, the study emphasized the importance of visceral fat and provided valuable insights into the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Much of the evidence now shared globally is based on this study’s findings.
■Leadership at the Forefront of Global Research
Prof. Edward Boyko joined this project at an early stage and has played a central role in its development, serving as Principal Investigator since 2001. As a highly respected epidemiologist, he has held editorial positions in major scientific journals and leadership roles in international academic societies. He has contributed significantly to the advancement of diabetes research and the development of global research strategies.
His outstanding expertise and leadership have been instrumental in advancing this field internationally.
■Implications for Occupational Health Practice
I have been involved in this study since my research fellowship at the University of Washington from 2001 to 2004 under the mentorship of Prof. Edward Boyko. Over the years, I have developed a deep respect for his sincere commitment to science. Prof. Boyko’s lecture, grounded in decades of accumulated research and a global perspective, is expected to provide valuable insights for practical applications in occupational health settings. As a lecture embodying the theme of this meeting, we warmly invite you to attend.