While the number of type 2 diabetes patients is rapidly increasing among young people in their 20s and 30s, research has shown that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 50 have a three-fold increase in the risk of developing dementia in old age.
Academic journal led by researchers at New York University (NYU) laurie Myers School of nursing PLOS ONEAccording to a study published in , people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 50 had nearly twice the risk of developing dementia compared to people diagnosed after age 70. The most at-risk group were those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a young age and those who were obese.
Type 2 diabetes is known to be a risk factor for dementia. Some of the hallmarks of diabetes, such as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammation, are thought to promote the progress of dementia in the brain. (Insulin resistance refers to a decrease in the body’s response to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Even though insulin is sufficiently secreted, it does not perform its function (moving glucose in the blood into cells), so blood sugar does not drop. This is a condition. To solve the problem, more insulin is secreted, and if this condition continues, the ability to secrete insulin will eventually decrease, wich may lead to diabetes.)
Type 2 diabetes was once a disease that mainly affected older people, but this has changed recently. One in five patients worldwide is under the age of 40, and this proportion is increasing.
The researchers used data from 2002 to 2016 from the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal study conducted by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, to determine the link between timing of type 2 diabetes diagnosis and dementia risk. The subjects of the study were 1,213 adults over 50 years of age who had type 2 diabetes confirmed through a blood test. They did not have dementia when participating in the study. During the longest follow-up period of 14 years, 216 people (17.8%) developed dementia.
Researchers found that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age had a higher risk of developing dementia compared to people diagnosed with the same diagnosis after age 70. Those diagnosed with diabetes before the age of 50 had a 1.9 times higher risk of developing dementia than those diagnosed after the age of 70. people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between the ages of 50 and 59 had a 1.72 times higher risk of dementia, and those diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 69 had a 1.7 times higher risk of dementia.
In addition, a graded association between age of diagnosis and risk of dementia was discovered through linear trend tests. Simply put, the risk of developing dementia increased by 1.9% as the age at which type 2 diabetes was diagnosed was one year younger.
The researchers said, “The risk of dementia substantially increased in those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a young age, and this trend was even more pronounced in those who were obese.” They added, “We specifically targeted those who developed type 2 diabetes at a young age. “It is highly likely that intervention and resolution will be effective in preventing dementia in these people,” he wrote.
The results of this study can be used as a reference in developing management plans for young patients with type 2 diabetes in Korea.
According to an announcement by the Korean Diabetes Association last month, as a result of analyzing the ‘Status of Diabetes in the Elderly and Young Adults in Korea’ among adults aged 19 years or older who underwent national health checkups from 2019 to 2022, the glycated hemoglobin level, which is the average blood sugar level for 2 to 3 months, was The number of young people (ages 19 to 39) suffering from diabetes was over 6.5%, or 300,000 people, or 2.2% of this generation.
even though diabetes is diagnosed based on glycated hemoglobin, the proportion (awareness rate) of being officially diagnosed with diabetes at a hospital was only 43.3%. Conversely,among elderly patients aged 65 years or older,the diabetes awareness rate was calculated to be 78.8%. The treatment rate for young patients was also 34.6%, which was only half of the 75.7% for elderly patients.
Among young diabetes patients, 87% were obese, 8% were overweight, and only 5% had normal weight, indicating the need for active diagnosis, treatment, and obesity management.
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How can young adults effectively manage their risk of developing type 2 diabetes?
Interview between Time.news Editor adn Dr. Bay Wu, Senior Author of the NYU Study on Type 2 Diabetes and Dementia
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. wu. Thank you for joining us today to discuss your captivating research on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and dementia. Your findings certainly highlight some urgent concerns. Can we start by discussing the dramatic rise in type 2 diabetes rates among young adults in their 20s and 30s?
Dr. Bay Wu (DBW): Thank you for having me. Yes, the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in younger populations is alarming. Traditionally, we thought of it as a condition that primarily affected older individuals, but recent studies show that one in five diabetes patients globally is under 40, and that proportion continues to rise.
TNE: That’s a startling statistic! What are some of the primary risk factors contributing to this increase among younger people?
DBW: Lifestyle factors play a critical role—poor diet,physical inactivity,and rising obesity rates are major contributors.Additionally, genetics and socioeconomic factors can also influence the likelihood of developing diabetes at a young age.
TNE: In your research, you discovered a important link between early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and increased dementia risk later in life. Can you elaborate on those findings?
DBW: Certainly! Our study found that individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 50 are almost twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those diagnosed later. Those diagnosed at a younger age, especially if they are obese, have an even higher risk—up to three times more likely.
TNE: That’s quite concerning.What do you think contributes to this heightened risk of dementia in younger diabetes patients?
DBW: several mechanisms are likely at play. Early diagnosis often correlates with more severe complications, such as poor blood sugar control, vascular issues, and significant insulin resistance. Each of these factors can contribute to cognitive decline and dementia. Furthermore,obesity has been shown to exacerbate these risks.
TNE: It seems like early intervention could be crucial. What steps do you recommend for managing type 2 diabetes in young patients to help mitigate these risks?
DBW: Early intervention is indeed essential. Lifestyle changes—like adopting a balanced diet and increasing physical activity—are foundational.Education and regular health checkups are critical, too. The healthcare community should also work on increasing awareness and treatment access, especially as our findings show that a significant number of young patients are still underdiagnosed and undertreated.
TNE: You mentioned that your study could inform management plans for young patients. How do you think this research could impact public health strategies,especially in countries like South Korea?
DBW: Our research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions for younger patients with diabetes. Public health strategies must evolve to address this rising issue, perhaps by focusing on preventive measures and creating resources tailored for younger populations.Additionally, there should be campaigns to improve awareness about the importance of diabetes management from a young age, especially since many young adults lack proper diagnosis and treatment.
TNE: It’s certainly a critical time for addressing these health issues. Before we wrap up, Dr. Wu, what message would you like to share with our readers who might potentially be concerned about diabetes and cognitive health?
DBW: I would encourage everyone to pay close attention to their health, especially if they’re at risk for type 2 diabetes. Regular health screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing weight are vital steps in reducing not just diabetes risk but also its long-term implications, such as dementia. Early action can lead to better outcomes.
TNE: thank you,Dr. Wu, for sharing your insights with us today. Your research sheds light on an urgent public health issue that needs more attention.
DBW: Thank you for the prospect to discuss this significant topic.