Treatment potential of Mounjaro for early-onset type 2 diabetes investigated
Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: A Looming Health Crisis
Early-onset type 2 diabetes, a growing concern, is associated with significantly worse long-term outcomes compared to diabetes diagnosed later in life. A recent study published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology reveals that being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 30 can shorten life expectancy by 14 years [1].
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that develops when the body stops making enough insulin or stops responding to it [2]. Early-onset T2D, diagnosed before the age of 40, is generally more aggressive and harder to treat [5]. This form of diabetes accelerates disease progression, leading to a greater cumulative burden of disability and premature mortality [3].
Research indicates that early-onset T2D patients experience a 2-3 times faster deterioration of pancreatic beta-cell function than usual, resulting in poorer glycemic control and accelerated complications [5]. Consequently, these patients have a higher probability of diabetic complications requiring hospitalization, which also contributes to increased mortality [5].
Prof. Naveed Sattar, one of the authors of the study, suggests that early detection of diabetes by screening followed by intensive glucose management could help prevent long-term complications from the condition [1]. Another expert, Prof. Melanie Davies, proposes that further research is needed to evaluate whether starting treatment with tirzepatide and similar drugs early improves long-term outcomes in early-onset type 2 diabetes [2].
Tirzepatide, a drug that mimics the effect of GLP-1 and GIP hormones, has shown promise in treating early-onset type 2 diabetes. The drug was equally effective at all three doses (5mg, 10mg, and 15mg) in both young and later-onset type 2 diabetes groups [2]. The study assessed the effect of tirzepatide on blood glucose control, body weight, and cardiometabolic markers [2]. Other improvements included waist circumference, lipids, and systolic blood pressure.
The drug Mounjaro, as tirzepatide is known, was approved for use in the United States in May 2022 and in the United Kingdom for "difficult to manage type 2 diabetes" in September 2023 [2].
Type 2 diabetes cases in younger people are increasing, with risk factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, close relatives with type 2 diabetes, being of Black and minority ethnic origin, and low socioeconomic status [3]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises several ways to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, including losing weight, eating a healthier diet, moving more, and making a plan to maintain lifestyle changes [3].
In conclusion, early-onset type 2 diabetes shortens life expectancy by several years and increases the risk of severe complications due to its more aggressive course and faster progression compared to diabetes diagnosed later in life [1][5]. Early diagnosis and intensive management are critical to altering this trajectory.
- Self-care practices such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood sugar levels can help manage early-onset type 2 diabetes and delay the development of complications.
- The study published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that early detection of diabetes by screening and intensive glucose management could significantly improve life expectancy and long-term outcomes for individuals diagnosed with early-onset T2D.
- By focusing on health and wellness, including nutrition, fitness, and medical-conditions like early-onset T2D, individuals can take control of their health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and its associated complications.
- The approval of drugs like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for difficult-to-manage type 2 diabetes provides a new tool for health professionals to combat the looming health crisis of early-onset type 2 diabetes and improve outcomes for affected individuals.
