Type 2 diabetes leads to higher risk of 57 other conditions, finds study

According to the most comprehensive study of its kind, people with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of 57 other health conditions.

Millions of people worldwide have the condition, which is linked to being overweight or inactive, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes. The condition increases the risk of ill health. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have been able to show the scale of the risk for type 2 diabetes.

In the most comprehensive observational study of health in middle age involving people with and without type 2 diabetes, experts found the condition was linked to a higher incidence of 57 long-term illnesses. People with the condition had health problems as early as five years earlier than people without it.

The findings were described as alarming and underscored the need to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study is being presented at the Diabetes UK professional conference.

The data for 3 million people from the UK Biobank and GP records was examined. There was a 9% increased risk of cancer for people with type 2 diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes were more likely to have end-stage kidney disease, and were more likely to have other diseases. People with type 2 diabetes had a higher risk of having problems with the circulatory system.

There was a 2.6 times higher risk of neurological issues, a 2.3 times higher risk of eye problems, a 1.9 times higher risk of digestive issues and a 1.8 times higher risk of mental ill health for people with type 2 diabetes.

People over 30 were the focus of the study. People with type 2 diabetes under the age of 50 were found to have higher risks.

The study shows the unacceptable prevalence of poor health in middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes, and is a stark reminder of the long-term effects of diabetes on the body.

It's important that people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes are supported to reduce their risk, and that those living with the condition have continued access to routine care and support.

It was shown that preventing and delaying the start of type 2 diabetes was essential to reduce the likelihood of poor health.