People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop 57 other health conditions such as cancer – an additional 9% – and kidney disease and neurological disease.
The latest study, conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, included middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes. They found that, on average, people with the condition develop other types of disease five years earlier.
The study sample was three million people and 116 prevalent diseases in middle age. People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 50 are more likely to develop other types of disease.
Specifically, people with type 2 diabetes are 5.2 times more likely to develop end-stage kidney disease, 4.4 times more likely to develop liver cancer, and 3.2 times more likely to develop muscle degeneration. They are even more likely to develop 23 of the 31 circulatory diseases.
Dr. “This study illustrates in alarming detail the unacceptable prevalence of health problems in middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes, and is a stark reminder of the widespread and dangerous long-term effects,” said Elizabeth Robertson, director of the research, quoted by The Guardian. Long-term effects of diabetes on the body.
Robertson also cautioned about the need for ongoing care for those with the disease: “This is why it is so important that people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes are supported to reduce their risk and that people with the disease have access to routine ongoing care and support to prevent or delay complications.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with being overweight or inactive, but it can also develop from a family history. Currently, millions of people around the world suffer from this condition.
The study will be presented at the UK Diabetes Professional Conference, but has not yet been peer-reviewed.
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