Study: Young adults with diabetes struggle more often with high blood sugar



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A new study from the Minnesota Department of Health found that younger adults with diabetes are more likely to have high blood sugar levels and to be hospitalized than older adults with the disease.

Diabetes usually affects the elderly. But this study focused on Minnesotians aged 18 to 44 living with the disease.

It was found that only four in ten adults on average achieved their blood glucose goals, compared to almost eight in ten adults with diabetes. And adults under 45 years old have been hospitalized three to five times more often because of uncontrollable blood sugar.

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The statistics are sobering for state health officials, who say that data on young adults are often lost in studies because they represent as small a fraction as possible – about one in ten – of adults with diabetes. .

"There was a distinct trend among young adults that is honestly taken away when we look at the data set," said Renee Kidney, an epidemiologist at the state's Department of Health.

The results raise concerns about the long-term health of younger diabetics. Constant high blood sugar can lead to health problems ranging from kidney and eye damage to infertility, Rein said.

The study found that, compared to older adults, people aged 18 to 44 with diabetes were less likely to have their blood glucose checked in the past year and to see a doctor to help them manage their blood sugar. their disease. They also had higher rates of depression and were more likely to be hospitalized for mental health problems.

The study did not determine the reasons behind the numbers. Kidney says that further research is needed to find out if the lack of a continuous insurance coverage, high health care costs or other factors could prevent young people adults with diabetes to seek care.

In a press release, Jan Malcolm, Minnesota's health commissioner, said the findings show that the state needs to adapt its care and reach to the needs of young adults with diabetes.

Reinney said she hoped the study would help spark a broader dialogue between health care providers, patients and their families on how best to manage the disease.

"These young adults with diabetes have their whole life ahead of them and we want them to be able to live in good health," she said.

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