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Higher Complications in Type 1 Diabetes Youth Compared to Type 2

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Higher Complications in Type 1 Diabetes Youth Compared to Type 2

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 20,000 people below the age of 20 who have type 2 diabetes in the United States. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that young adults who suffer from type 2 diabetes were more likely to have complications and comorbidities compared to those with type 1 diabetes.

This study spanned over the course of 12 years located in five different locations in the United States. A total of 2018 of patients with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the study.

Measurements such as hemoglobin A1C levels, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, waist to height ratio, and others were recorded. Out of the 2018 patients, 1746 suffer from type 1 diabetes while 272 have type 2 diabetes. The average disease duration for both groups is approximately 7.9 years.




The results showed that young adults with type 2 diabetes had a significantly higher risk and/or incidence of stiff arteries, diabetic kidney disease, high blood pressure, neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy. Youths diagnosed with type 2 diabetes also have a higher incidence and risk of complications and comorbidities compared to those with type 1 diabetes.

Researchers recommend that young adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to sign up for early and regular monitoring to prevent the complications of diabetes.

References

Dabelea D, Stafford JM, Mayer-Davis EJ. Association of type 1 diabetes vs type 2 diabetes diagnosed during childhood and adolescence with complications during teenage years and young adulthood. JAMA. 2017; 317(8):825-835.

Diabetes 2014 Report Card. Centers for Disease Control.