A recent study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveals that individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in adulthood face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, highlights the increased vulnerability of adults with late-onset type 1 diabetes compared to the general population.
The registry-based study examined 10,184 adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes between 2001 and 2020. Researchers compared their health outcomes to those of 509,172 individuals in a control group. The findings showed that those with adult-onset type 1 diabetes were more likely to experience major cardiovascular events (MACE), as well as deaths from all causes, including cancer and infections.
Factors Contributing to Poor Health Outcomes
The study identified several factors contributing to the increased risks. Smoking, obesity, and poor glucose control were found to be major contributors to adverse health outcomes. The research also revealed that people with adult-onset type 1 diabetes were less likely to use insulin pumps and other assistive devices that help manage the condition effectively.
First author Yuxia Wei, a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska, explained, “The main reasons for the poor prognosis are smoking, being overweight, and poor glucose control.”
Key Risk Factors Identified
The study found that 19.8% of participants were overweight or obese, 8.4% smoked, and 8.8% had high HbA1c levels, which contributed to the majority of major cardiovascular events. Researchers emphasize the importance of managing these factors to improve outcomes for adults with type 1 diabetes.
Ongoing Research and Future Plans
The researchers plan to continue their work by exploring additional risk factors for adult-onset type 1 diabetes and investigating its impact on other health outcomes, including microvascular complications. The study was funded by the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Diabetes Foundation.
Raising Awareness About Type 1 Diabetes in Adults
While type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, an increasing number of adults are being diagnosed later in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), type 1 diabetes affects around 2 million Americans, accounting for 5% to 10% of all diabetes cases. However, many adults with the disease remain unaware of their condition, which can lead to misdiagnosis as type 2 diabetes, a separate disease with a different treatment approach.
Currently, there are no general screening recommendations for type 1 diabetes. Screening for islet autoantibodies, which are linked to the disease, is typically done for individuals with a first-degree relative who has type 1 diabetes.
Last year, Breakthrough T1D and 10 international diabetes organizations developed new guidelines to help healthcare professionals monitor and care for individuals with type 1 diabetes. The guidance emphasizes autoantibody testing and early detection of those at risk for the disease.
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