Developing type 2 diabetes by the age of 30 could reduce life expectancy by up to 14 years, according to a new analysis.
A diagnosis at the age of 50 is associated with losing up to six years of life expectancy, British researchers say.
The results of a new international analysis of data from 19 high-income countries highlight the need to develop interventions that prevent or delay onset of diabetes, especially as the number of younger adults with the condition is growing.
Previous estimates have suggested that adults with type 2 diabetes die an average of six years earlier than adults without the condition, but there was uncertainty as to how this varies according to age at diagnosis.
A team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge and University of Glasgow examined data from two major international studies – the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration and UK Biobank – comprising a total of 1.5 million individuals – and their findings are published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
The earlier an individual was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the greater the reduction in their life expectancy. They found every decade of earlier diagnosis of diabetes was associated with about four years of reduced life expectancy.
Using data from the US population, they estimated that being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 30, 40, and 50 years died on average about 14, 10, and six years earlier, respectively, than individuals without the condition. The figures were broadly similar when EU data were analysed.
The researchers found the reduction in life expectancy associated with diabetes was mainly due to vascular deaths. Other complications such as cancer also contributed to lowering life expectancy.
Professor Naveed Sattar from the Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, said: “Our findings support the idea that the younger an individual is when they develop type 2 diabetes, the more damage their body accumulates from its impaired metabolism. But the findings also suggest that early detection of diabetes by screening followed by intensive glucose management could help prevent long-term complications from the condition.”
Dr Stephen Kaptoge, from the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart and Lung Research Institute (VPD-HLRI), University of Cambridge, said: “Type 2 diabetes can be prevented if those at greatest risk can be identified and offered support – whether that’s to make changes to their behaviour or to provide medication to lower their risk. But there are also structural changes that we as a society should be pursuing, including relating to food manufacturing, changes to the built environment to encourage more physical activity, and so on.
“Given the impact type 2 diabetes will have on people’s lives, preventing – or at least delaying the onset – of the condition should be an urgent priority.”
Kaptoge S, Sun L, Walker m et al (Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration). Life expectancy associated with different ages at diagnosis of diabetes: 23 million person-years of observation. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 11 September 2023; doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00223-1
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