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Key Points

A common genetic condition is causing major delays in diabetes detection for men worldwide. The G6PD deficiency makes standard blood tests appear normal even when diabetes is present. This means men are being diagnosed four years later on average, missing crucial early treatment windows. The delayed diagnosis leads to significantly higher risks of serious complications like kidney failure and nerve damage.

Key Points: G6PD Gene Variant Delays Diabetes Diagnosis in Men Study Finds

  • G6PD deficiency affects over 400 million people worldwide especially men
  • Men with G6PD get diabetes diagnosis four years later than others
  • Higher 37% risk of eye kidney nerve damage from delayed diagnosis
  • HbA1c blood test shows artificially low sugar levels in G6PD patients
2 min read

Study finds hidden genetic risk delaying diabetes diagnosis in men

University of Exeter study reveals G6PD deficiency causes HbA1c tests to underestimate blood sugar, delaying diabetes diagnosis by 4 years in men globally.

"Our findings highlight the urgent need for changes to testing practices to tackle health inequalities. - Professor Inês Barroso"

New Delhi, Sep 30

A common gene variant may be delaying diagnoses of type 2 diabetes in millions of men worldwide, and increasing their risk of serious complications, according to a study.

G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition that affects more than 400 million people worldwide, and is especially prevalent among those with African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean backgrounds.

It is more common in men and usually goes undetected because it rarely causes symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine screening for G6PD deficiency in populations where it is common, but it is not widely implemented in many other countries.

Researchers from the University of Exeter, in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), found that men with G6PD deficiency are, on average, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years later than those without the gene variant. But despite this, fewer than one in 50 have been diagnosed with the condition.

The study, published in the journal Diabetes Care, showed that men with G6PD deficiency are at a 37 per cent higher risk of developing diabetes-related microvascular complications, such as eye, kidney, and nerve damage, compared to other men with diabetes.

G6PD deficiency does not cause diabetes, but it makes the widely used HbA1c blood test -- which diagnoses and monitors diabetes -- appear artificially low.

As this can mislead doctors and patients, resulting in delayed diabetes diagnosis and treatment, the team urged the need to develop newer diagnostic methods, until it is too late to prevent serious complications.

"Our findings highlight the urgent need for changes to testing practices to tackle health inequalities. Doctors and health policy makers need to be aware that the HbA1c test may not be accurate for people with G6PD deficiency, and routine G6PD screening could help identify those at risk. Addressing this issue is not only crucial for medicine, but for health equity," said Professor Inês Barroso from the University of Exeter.

The HbA1c blood test is the international standard for managing type 2 diabetes and is used in 136 countries worldwide to diagnose diabetes.

However, for people with G6PD deficiency, this test may underestimate their blood sugar levels, causing significant medical delays and increasing their risk of serious complications.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone working in healthcare, I've seen how many Indian men get diagnosed with diabetes only after complications appear. This research explains so much! Routine screening for G6PD deficiency should be mandatory in high-prevalence areas like India.
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Michael C
While the research is important, I'm concerned about the cost implications. In a country like India where healthcare resources are already stretched, implementing routine genetic screening might be challenging. We need cost-effective solutions.
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Ananya R
My husband has diabetes and we never knew about this! Four years delay in diagnosis is huge 😟. Hope our doctors become aware of this research and consider alternative testing methods for at-risk patients.
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Vikram M
This is exactly why we need more India-specific medical research. Western studies often don't account for our genetic diversity. Proud that Indian researchers are part of this important study! 🙏
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Sarah B
As an expat living in India, I've noticed how diabetes is such a huge health concern here. This research could help millions of men get proper diagnosis and treatment before complications set in. Health equity matters everywhere!

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