Reduced Life Expectancy for Those Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at a Younger Age
A concerning revelation by an international research team highlights the substantial impact of an early-onset type 2 diabetes diagnosis on life expectancy. Individuals diagnosed at the age of 30 might see a dramatic reduction in their life expectancy by as much as 14 years. Even those who develop the condition later in life, around the age of 50, could experience a significant reduction of up to six years. This study, conducted across 19 high-income countries and published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, underscores the critical necessity of implementing interventions to delay or prevent diabetes onset, particularly given the global rise in diabetes prevalence among younger adults.
Factors Driving Rising Type 2 Diabetes Prevalence
The surge in type 2 diabetes cases worldwide is closely linked to increasing levels of obesity, poor dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles. In 2021, an estimated 537 million adults worldwide had diabetes, with a growing number diagnosed at younger ages.
Type 2 diabetes poses a heightened risk of various complications, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney issues, and cancer. Prior estimates have suggested that individuals with type 2 diabetes typically die approximately six years earlier than those without diabetes. However, the effect of age at diagnosis on this reduction in life expectancy has remained uncertain.
Studying the Impact of Age at Diagnosis
To address this crucial question, researchers led by scientists from the University of Cambridge and the University of Glasgow conducted an extensive analysis of data from two significant international studies: the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration and UK Biobank. These studies involved a total of 1.5 million individuals.
The results indicate that the earlier an individual receives a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, the more substantial the reduction in their life expectancy. For every decade earlier that diabetes is diagnosed, life expectancy decreases by roughly four years.
Dramatic Impact of Early Diagnosis
Utilizing data from the U.S. population, researchers estimated that individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at ages 30, 40, and 50 typically face a premature death, averaging about 14, 10, and 6 years earlier than those without the condition. These estimates were slightly higher for women, with a reduction of approximately 16, 11, and 7 years, respectively, and slightly lower for men, at 14, 9, and 5 years, respectively.
Preventive Measures and Early Detection
Most of the reduction in life expectancy associated with type 2 diabetes is attributed to “vascular deaths,” which involve conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms. Additionally, complications such as cancer also contribute to lowering life expectancy.
The researchers emphasize the significance of early detection through screening and intensive glucose management. By identifying those at greater risk and providing support for behavior changes or medications to reduce their risk, it is possible to prevent or delay long-term complications resulting from diabetes.
Urgent Priority for Preventing Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes
Given the profound impact that early-onset type 2 diabetes has on people’s lives, preventing or delaying the onset of this condition should be considered an urgent priority. This includes not only individual interventions but also structural changes within society, such as changes in food manufacturing and adjustments to the built environment to promote physical activity.
The Way Forward
This study highlights the pressing need to address early-onset type 2 diabetes with urgency and vigilance. While the prevalence of this condition among younger adults continues to rise globally, interventions to prevent or delay its onset are of paramount importance. It is not merely a matter of extending life expectancy; it is about ensuring healthier and more fulfilling lives for millions around the world.
This research received support from the Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, Health Data Research UK, and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.
Reference: Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration. Life expectancy associated with different ages at diagnosis of diabetes: 23 million person-years of observation. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology; 11 Sept 2023; DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00223-1.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.