The changing shape of type 2 diabetes

The aim of this study was to compare demographic and metabolic parameters of newly diagnosed patients presenting with type 2 diabetes over 10 years.

From postcode analyses we estimate that >90% of patients with new onset type 2 diabetes are referred to a structured nurse‐led education programme and are seen within one week of the diagnosis. Demographic and clinical data have been recorded since 1994.

Since 1994, there has been a 2.5‐fold increase in the number of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in our area. At diagnosis, body mass index (BMI) has risen from 28.5 to 31.1kg/m² (p<0.05) associated with a fall in HbA_1c levels from 10.4% to 8.1% (p<0.0001) at presentation. There appears also to have been a gender difference with men presenting on average two years younger (mean difference 2.3 [95% CI 1.6–2.9] years, p<0.001) and with a lower BMI (‐1.6 [95% CI 1.3–2.0] kg/m², p<0.001).

It was concluded that over the past 10 years there has been an increase in the number of patients presenting with new onset type 2 diabetes in our area. The lower HbA_1c at diagnosis probably reflects earlier detection and awareness of the condition. There do appear to be gender differences with more men presenting earlier and with a lower BMI. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.