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 found 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.
Type 2 diabetes is not triggered by G6PD deficiency, but it can make an HbA1c blood test appear artificially low, leading to delayed diagnoses.
Author summary: Genetic variant delays type 2 diabetes diagnosis.