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 can cause delays in type 2 diabetes diagnoses, according to new evidence.
A recent study detected a genetic variant known as G6PD deficiency in around one in seven Black 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 compared to those without the deficiency.
- Less than one in 50 men with G6PD deficiency have been diagnosed.
Type 2 diabetes is not triggered by G6PD deficiency, but it can make an HbA1c blood test appear artificially low, misleading healthcare professionals and delaying diagnosis.
“Our findings highlight the urgent need for changes to testing practices to tackle health inequalities,” said Lead author Professor Inês Barroso.
Author summary: Genetic variant delays type 2 diabetes diagnosis in Black and Asian men.