Type 2 Diabetes Diagnoses Delayed in Black and Asian Men Due to Hidden Genetic Risk
A hidden genetic variant found in Black and Asian men could cause delays in their diagnosis with type 2 diabetes, according to new evidence.
A genetic variant known as G6PD deficiency was detected in around one in seven Black and one in 63 South Asian men in the UK, a recent study found.
- Men with G6PD deficiency are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years later compared to 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 makes an HbA1c blood test appear artificially low, which can mislead healthcare professionals and delay diagnosis.
Author's summary: Genetic variant delays type 2 diabetes diagnosis in Black and Asian men.