Abstract
Acculturational trends related to diet and energy expenditure were examined in non‐Western societies noted for significantly increased incidence of maturity‐onset diabetes mellitus. Crosscultural analysis of these trends indicates that increased incidence levels were often preceded by acculturation, suggesting that diabetes mellitus may be a disordered physiological and psychological adaptation to rapid cultural change. Increased incidence preceded by lifestyle changes and total immersion in a new culture in non‐Western and Western societies is also included.