Different Groups of People at Risk for Developing T2D

Researchers examined six different subgroups to determine what factors raised or lowered their risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D).

There are approximately four hundred million people on earth currently living with type 2 diabetes. This disease is known to cause other complications and secondary issues such as heart disease, retinopathy, nerve pain. There are even more people who have prediabetes and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Because the prediabetes population is so significant in number, people must be screened regularly for diabetes. Regular screenings can help catch the disease early, resulting in a better outcome for the patient. Regular screenings can also help with prevention and slowing down the onset of the disease.

In this study, patients were split up into six different subgroups using observable traits and genotypic characteristics. Some categories used to divide the patients included glycemic measures, body mass index, body fat distribution, genetics, serum high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Insulin secretion and tolerance were also used in identifying the six different subgroups. Each of the six groups exhibited risks for developing type 2 diabetes, liver problems, and heart issues. In medicine today, it is recommended that people possessing the risk factors that could lead to the development of diabetes be screened often. For example, people who have higher than average blood glucose may be categorized as prediabetic. These people are at a greater likelihood of becoming diabetic in the future.

Not all people with prediabetes will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the future. Approximately fifty-nine percent of prediabetes patients may experience blood sugar decreases to normal levels within five years. Diagnostic testing has improved; some can help show the likeliness of prediabetes developing into type 2 diabetes in an individual. Many medical interventions are aimed towards people with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes; however, they would be unnecessary and costly for patients who are not likely to develop diabetes in the future. This predicament is why it is essential to understand which groups of people are at the highest risk.

Upon conducting this study, the participants were split up into six clusters. Clusters three and five had the highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, these two groups had the individuals with the highest baseline blood glucose levels. While those in the clusters with the highest risk for diagnosis would benefit from more intervention, those at lower risks would probably need little to no intervention at all. Through this study, researchers were able to take the high-risk groups and see what they all had in common regarding risk factors and complications. They were also able to see what commonalities the lower-risk groups had in common. Healthcare providers may tell which patients are or aren’t likely to develop the disease and prescribe accordingly based on these common factors.

Practice Pearls:

• There are over four hundred million people with prediabetes. Individuals must screen for diabetes regularly to do all they can to prevent the onset of the disease.
• By splitting people into six subgroups and determining which groups are at the highest risks for developing T2D, researchers can help define those in greater need of medical interventions.
• If your blood glucose is often higher than average at baseline, you may have prediabetes and be at risk for developing T2D in the future.

References for “Different Groups of People at Risk for Developing T2D”:
Udler, M.S. Identifying subgroups of people at risk for type 2 diabetes. Nat Med 27, 23–25 (2021).

National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, 2020).

Oluwatayo Ishola, PharmD. Candidate, South College, School of Pharmacy