Delayed Diagnoses of Type 2 Diabetes in Black and Asian Men
A hidden genetic variant found in Black and Asian men could cause delays in them being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, new evidence has indicated.
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, according to a recent study.
Previous research has found that men with the genetic disorder are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years later compared to those without G6PD deficiency.
However, less than one in 50 men with G6PD deficiency have been diagnosed, the results have revealed.
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 a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
“Our findings highlight the urgent need for changes to testing practices to tackle health inequalities,” said Lead author Professor Inês Barroso.
Author's summary: Genetic variant delays type 2 diabetes diagnosis.