New Hidden Danger of Diabetes Found in Young Adults
A new study conducted by the Diabetes Research Center at Aarhus University (Denmark) reveals that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not only a standalone condition but also accelerates the development of other chronic diseases in young adults. These findings were presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).
Diabetes and Multimorbidity: How Strong Is the Link?
This issue is likely to become more widespread. By 2050, an estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide may be living with T2D. In addition to diabetes itself, patients often face conditions such as hypertension, kidney disease, and depression. This combination is referred to as “multimorbidity” and significantly lowers quality of life.
Until now, researchers didn’t fully understand how quickly diabetes leads to other conditions or the role age plays in that process. To find out, they analyzed data from more than 500,000 people. The participants had an average age of 58 and were monitored for 15 years.
Faster Progression in Younger Adults
The study found that:
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In people with diabetes, the annual rate of developing a new chronic illness increases by 5.7%.
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In those without diabetes but with two other chronic conditions, the rate is 3.5%.
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Overall, T2D increases the risk of developing another illness by 60%.
This effect is particularly strong in the 40–55 age group, where the development of multimorbidity is faster—even when accounting for gender, education, and body weight.
Conclusion: Prevention and Early Diagnosis Are Crucial
Based on these findings, researchers stress the importance of strengthening efforts against T2D in younger populations. Early detection, proper treatment, and improved lifestyle choices can prevent not just diabetes, but its many complications.
