Type 2 diabetes signs can appear more than 20 years before a patient is diagnosed, research suggests. Dangerously high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance can be seen two decades before a person is eventually diagnosed with the condition, according to a study of more than 27,000 people.
Japanese researchers warn healthy lifestyle interventions may be required as soon as a person's blood sugars start to rise to prevent 'full blown diabetes'.
The researchers at Aizawa Hospital in Matsumoto analysed 27,392 adults who did not have diabetes at the start between 2005 and 2016.
Weight and blood sugar measurements were taken at the start of the study. Over the 11 years, 1,067 of the participants developed type 2 diabetes.
Results showed those who went on to get the disease had a raised BMI, blood sugar levels and insulin resistance up to 10 years before they were diagnosed.
Type 2 diabetes occur when a person does not produce enough insulin or doesn't respond to the hormone that is made. It is associated with obesity.
- Source: News websites
