Type 2 diabetes linked to cancer and earlier health problems, new study warns

Type 2 diabetes sufferers have a higher risk of developing 57 illnesses including cancer and kidney diseases, according to a new study.

Experts from the University of Cambridge examined data for three million people aged over 30 and found that those with type 2 diabetes had a nine per cent increased risk of cancer compared to people without it.

They used data from the UK Biobank and GP records to look at 116 conditions commonly seen in middle aged people.

Liver cancer, end-stage kidney disease, neurological problems and serious eyesight issues are among the illnesses that pose more of a risk to people with type 2 diabetes.

Those with type 2 diabetes were 5.2 times more likely to have end-stage kidney disease, 4.4 times more likely to have liver cancer and 3.2 times more likely to have macular degeneration of the eye.

The comprehensive study also found those with type 2 diabetes suffered these problems, on average, five years earlier than those without the condition.

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One of the major drivers of type 2 diabetes is obesity, accounting for 80 to 85% of the risk of developing the condition and obese people are thought to be up to 80 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with a body mass index of under 22.

When it came to circulatory conditions, such as of the heart, blood vessels or blood, those with type 2 diabetes had a higher risk of 23 out of 31 problems.

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: “The complications of diabetes can be serious and life-threatening.

“This study illustrates in alarming detail the unacceptable prevalence of poor health in middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes, and is a stark reminder of the extensive and serious long-term effects of diabetes on the body.”

Type 2 diabetes was found to be associated with a higher risk of poor health across all 11 broad categories, with a 2.6 times higher risk of neurological issues, a 2.3 times higher risk of eye problems, 1.9 times higher risk of digestive issues and 1.8 times higher risk of mental health problems.

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Dr Robertson emphasised the importance of managing type 2 diabetes, saying: “It’s so important that people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes are supported to reduce their risk, and that those living with the condition have continued access to routine care and support to manage it well and avoid or delay complications.”

Dr Luanluan Sun, who co-led the study in her previous role as clinical epidemiologist at Cambridge University, said: “Preventing and delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes remains essential to reduce the likelihood of poor health in middle age.”

More than 4.9 million people are currently living with diabetes in the UK, with 90% of those being type 2, including 850,000 people who are undiagnosed.

Experts estimate that more than 13.6 million people are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK.

The new study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, is being presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference online and in London.