At what age can you get diabetes
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that diabetes can occur at any age, with type 1 diabetes more common in children and adolescents, and type 2 diabetes increasingly seen in adolescents, young adults, and older adults.
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Age and Onset of Diabetes: A Comprehensive Overview
Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
Early Childhood Onset
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) can manifest at a very young age, with significant differences in characteristics based on the age of onset. Children diagnosed before the age of 7 years often have a higher prevalence of affected first-degree relatives, stronger genetic susceptibility, and a higher number of autoantibodies at diagnosis compared to older children. This suggests that the disease process in very young children may be more aggressive and genetically driven.
Adolescence and Beyond
For those diagnosed between 7 and 12 years, the disease characteristics start to shift. Adolescents diagnosed at age 13 or older show a higher male preponderance, longer duration of symptoms before diagnosis, and more severe metabolic decompensation, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. This indicates that the disease may present differently and potentially more severely in older children and adolescents.
Type 1 Diabetes in Adults
Late-Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes can also be diagnosed in adults, even after the age of 30. This late-onset T1D often goes unrecognized and is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Adults with late-onset T1D typically require insulin within three years of diagnosis and exhibit severe insulin deficiency. Despite having similar clinical characteristics to those diagnosed at a younger age, these individuals are often not identified correctly, leading to suboptimal management.
Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Young Adults
Increasing Prevalence in Youth
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among adolescents and young adults is rising dramatically. Major risk factors include obesity, family history, and a sedentary lifestyle. The onset of T2D at a younger age (up to 40 years) is associated with a longer duration of disease exposure, which increases the risk of chronic complications and adversely affects quality of life.
Underrepresentation in Clinical Trials
Young adults aged 18-39 years with early-onset T2D are severely underrepresented in clinical research trials. This age group, which constitutes about 15-20% of the adult T2D population, is often excluded from studies, leading to a lack of evidence-based guidelines tailored to their needs. This underrepresentation highlights the need for more inclusive research to develop appropriate management strategies for younger individuals with T2D.
Type 2 Diabetes in Older Adults
Prevalence and Complications
Diabetes, particularly T2D, is increasingly prevalent among individuals over the age of 65. The disease in older adults is exacerbated by the effects of aging on metabolic regulation, accelerating the progression of common diabetes complications. In 2019, it was estimated that 19.3% of people aged 65-99 years live with diabetes, with projections indicating a significant increase in the coming decades.
Mortality and Global Impact
Diabetes contributes significantly to mortality among adults aged 20-79 years, accounting for approximately 11.3% of deaths globally. Notably, about half of these deaths occur in individuals under the age of 60, underscoring the severe impact of diabetes across various age groups.
Conclusion
Diabetes can manifest at any age, from early childhood to late adulthood, with varying characteristics and complications. Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents but can also occur in adults, often leading to misdiagnosis. Type 2 diabetes is increasingly prevalent among younger populations, yet they remain underrepresented in clinical research. Older adults face a high burden of diabetes, with significant implications for morbidity and mortality. Understanding the age-related nuances of diabetes is crucial for effective management and improving outcomes across all age groups.
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