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Objective:Polynesians in New Caledonia have an increased risk for developing diabetes, compared to Melanesians or Europeans. They are also more prone to obesity. The aim of this study was to analyse differences in the pre-diabetic state that may explain the varying susceptibility to diabetes between these three ethnic groups, focusing on the balance between insulin resistance and capacity of pancreatic cells to secrete insulin.Design and subjects:The CALDIA Study is a population-based cross-sectional survey of diabetes prevalence conducted in New Caledonia. All participants who did not have diabetes, according to the results of a 0-2 h oral glucose tolerance test (n=392), were selected for analysis.Results:Compared to Europeans, Polynesians and Melanesians had significantly higher body mass indices (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratios (WHRs). Polynesians had higher fasting plasma glucose values than Europeans or Melanesians (6.03 mmol/l, vs 5.78 and 5.46, respectively; P<0.0001). Fasting plasma insulin level and the estimate of insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment were not significantly different between the three ethnic groups. Homeostasis model assessment estimate of beta-cell secretory capacity was lower in Polynesians compared to the two other ethnic groups (83.1 mU/mmol, vs 119.3 and 125.2, respectively; P<0.02).Conclusion:Despite a high prevalence of central obesity, as judged by high BMI and WHR, in Polynesians of New Caledonia, their high risk of diabetes may be more strongly related to a defect in insulin secretion capacity than to insulin resistance.International Journal of Obesity (2007) 31, 109-113. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803384; published online 16 May 2006.