Type 2 Diabetes Diagnoses Delayed in Black and Asian Men Due to Hidden Genetic Risk
A recent study has found that a hidden genetic variant in Black and Asian men can cause delays in type 2 diabetes diagnoses.
The genetic variant, known as G6PD deficiency, is present in approximately one in seven Black men and one in 63 South Asian men in the UK.
- Men with G6PD deficiency are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years later than those without the deficiency.
- Less than one in 50 men with G6PD deficiency have been diagnosed.
“Our findings highlight the urgent need for changes to testing practices to tackle health inequalities,” said Lead author Professor Inês Barroso.
Type 2 diabetes is not triggered by G6PD deficiency, but it does make HbA1c blood tests appear artificially low, leading to potential delays in diagnosis.
Author summary: Study reveals genetic risk delaying type 2 diabetes diagnoses.