Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. It can be caused by either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.

Diabetes can develop at any age, but early onset diabetes is typically diagnosed in individuals under the age of 40.

How Common is Early Onset Diabetes?

Early onset diabetes, also known as type 1 diabetes, is less common than type 2 diabetes, which is primarily diagnosed in individuals over the age of 40.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), approximately 1.25 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, which represents about 5 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

What are the Risk Factors of Early Onset Diabetes?

The exact cause of early onset diabetes is not known, but there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition:.

Family history: Having a close family member with type 1 diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition.
Age: Although early onset diabetes can develop at any age, it is more commonly diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Autoimmune disorders: Individuals with other autoimmune disorders, such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, are at a higher risk of developing early onset diabetes.

What are the Symptoms of Early Onset Diabetes?

The symptoms of early onset diabetes can be similar to those of type 2 diabetes and can develop rapidly over a few weeks or months. Symptoms include:.

Increased thirst and frequent urination
Extreme hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Irritability or mood changes

How is Early Onset Diabetes Treated?

Early onset diabetes is treated with insulin therapy, which involves injecting insulin into the body to regulate blood sugar levels.

Insulin injections must be administered several times a day, and individuals with early onset diabetes must closely monitor their blood sugar levels to ensure they are within a healthy range.

Impact of Early Onset Diabetes on Mortality

Early onset diabetes can have a significant impact on mortality rates.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), individuals diagnosed with early onset diabetes have a greater risk of premature death compared to the general population.

The study followed over 27,000 Swedish individuals with early onset diabetes, comparing their mortality rates to those of the general population.

The study found that individuals with early onset diabetes had a twofold increased risk of premature death compared to those without the condition. The majority of deaths were attributed to cardiovascular disease.

Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Early Onset Diabetes

Individuals with early onset diabetes have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which can lead to premature death.

According to the American Diabetes Association, adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those without diabetes. This increased risk is due to several factors:.

High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis (a narrowing of the arteries due to buildup of plaque).
High blood pressure, which is common in individuals with diabetes, can increase the workload on the heart and increase the risk of heart disease.
High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats) can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Preventing Early Onset Diabetes Complications

Although early onset diabetes can increase the risk of premature death, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of complications:.

Maintain tight blood sugar control: By closely monitoring blood sugar levels and adhering to an insulin therapy regimen, individuals with early onset diabetes can reduce their risk of complications.
Control blood pressure and cholesterol: By managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, individuals with early onset diabetes can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help individuals with early onset diabetes maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of complications.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help individuals with early onset diabetes maintain a healthy weight, reduce their blood sugar levels, and improve their overall health.

Conclusion

Early onset diabetes can have a significant impact on mortality rates, primarily due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, by closely monitoring blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, individuals with early onset diabetes can reduce their risk of complications and improve their overall health and wellbeing.