Millions of people around the world have the condition, which is associated with being overweight or inactive or with a family history of type 2 diabetes. It is known that the condition increases the risk of poor health. Now researchers at the University of Cambridge have been able to show the true scale of the risk of type 2 diabetes. In the most comprehensive middle-aged health observational study of people with and without type 2 diabetes, the researchers found that the condition was associated with a higher incidence of 57 long-term illnesses. On average, those suffering from the condition had these health problems up to five years earlier than those without it. The experts described the findings as “strong and worrying” and said they stressed the urgent need to reduce the risk of more people developing type 2 diabetes. Data on 3 million people from the UK Biobank and GP records and 116 diseases commonly occurring in middle age were examined. People with type 2 diabetes had a higher risk of 57 diseases, including a 9% increased risk of cancer. People with type 2 diabetes were 5.2 times more likely to have end-stage kidney disease, 4.4 times more likely to have liver cancer and 3.2 times more likely to have macular degeneration. With regard to circulatory diseases, those with type 2 diabetes had a higher risk of 23 of the 31 problems. Type 2 diabetes was associated with a higher risk of ill health in all 11 health categories, with a 2.6-fold higher risk of neurological problems, a 2.3-fold higher risk of eye problems, a 1.9-fold higher risk of digestive problems, and a 1.8-fold higher risk. poor mental health. The study focused on people over the age of 30. The researchers found that people with a type 2 diabetes under the age of 50 were at higher risk. “This study shows in alarming detail the unacceptable prevalence of ill health in middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes and is a strong reminder of the widespread and serious long-term effects of diabetes on the body,” said Dr. Elizabeth Robertson. director of research at Diabetes UK. “This is why it is so important that people at increased risk for type 2 diabetes be supported to reduce their risk and that those living with the condition have ongoing access to routine care and support to manage it well and avoid or delay complications. ». Dr Luanluan Sun, who co-led the research in her former role as a clinical epidemiologist at Cambridge University, said she had shown that preventing and delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes was “essential” in reducing the likelihood of poor health in middle age. .
