Diabetes could be fatal for young people

London: Younger people suffering from Type 2 diabetes are three times at a higher risk of dying early than those of the same age without the disease, suggests a recent study published in the Journal of Diabetic Medicine.

A study of 264,000 patients showed that those suffering from the disease were twice as likely to die early than those without, while patients with Type 2 diabetes aged 35 to 54 were three times as likely to die early as non-sufferers of the same age.

"We did expect that people with Type 2 diabetes would have a higher risk of dying earlier rather than later," BBC quoted research author Henrietta Mulnier of Surrey University, as saying.

Type 2 Diabetes tends to develop in later stages of life and is linked to obesity and diet. It develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).

Some view Type 2 diabetes as a milder form of the disease because patients do not necessarily have to have insulin injections, but Mulnier feels that it is just as dangerous.

Hence, focus on its early detection and treatment is of prime concern, and researchers say Type 2 diabetes can be treated with lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, weight loss and increased physical activity.

"With more young people being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the figures are going to get worse. We really do need to focus on early detection and treatment," she said.

Mulnier’s team compared information from GPs' records in the UK on deaths from all causes between January 1992 and October 1999.

Chief executive at Diabetes UK, Douglas Smallwood said the results were shocking but people with diabetes had to be made aware of the seriousness of the condition.

"Diabetes deaths are predicted to rise by 25 per cent over the next decade," he said.

"However, the risk of complications leading to death can be reduced if people with diabetes get the care they need to manage their condition. There is no reason why people with diabetes cannot live long and healthy lives," he added.