Type 2 Diabetes Diagnoses Delayed in Black and Asian Men
A hidden genetic variant found in Black and Asian men can cause delays in type 2 diabetes diagnoses, according to new evidence.
A genetic variant known as G6PD deficiency is detected in around one in seven Black and one in 63 South Asian men in the UK. Men with this genetic disorder are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years later compared to those without G6PD deficiency.
- Less than one in 50 men with G6PD deficiency have been diagnosed.
- Type 2 diabetes is not triggered by G6PD deficiency.
- G6PD deficiency makes an HbA1c blood test appear artificially low, which can mislead healthcare professionals and delay a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
“Our findings highlight the urgent need for changes to testing practices to tackle health inequalities.”
Author: Research highlights genetic risk.