In general, type 2 diabetes is more common among immigrants than among the inhabitants with a Western background. The higher prevalence among ethnic minorities is probably due to a complex correlation between genetic factors, diet, exercise, linguistic and cultural obstacles, low birthweight and high catch up weight as well as socio-economic factors. Ethnic minorities are heterogeneous, and individual initiatives within the different groups are needed. The evidence regarding the effect of initiatives targeted at ethnic minorities in Denmark is sparse. In future, clinically controlled studies in this field should be carried out.