Abstract
INTRODUCTION: and Aims: The prevalence of T2DM is rising among young people, placing them at greater risk for complications. We studied the prevalence and predictors of micro- and macrovascular complications in early-onset diabetes subjects (EOD, <40 years) and compared with late-onset T2DM (LOD, ≥40 years). METHODS: A total of 800 subjects (400 EOD, 400 LOD), matched for gender and diabetes duration, were prospectively recruited and assessed for the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and ASCVD. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed predictors of diabetes complications. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis of diabetes was 35 years in EOD and 48 years in LOD. Hypertension was more common in LOD (73.8% vs. 58.8%, p<0.001). EOD patients had higher HbA1c (7.9% vs. 7.7%, p<0.05) and worse lipid profiles (non-HDL-C 129 vs.118 mg/dL, p<0.05; triglycerides 146 vs.130 mg/dL, p<0.001; HDL-C 36 vs. 38 mg/dL, p<0.01). The prevalence of retinopathy and nephropathy were similar between groups, while peripheral neuropathy and ASCVD were more prevalent in LOD. Increasing diabetes duration was associated with higher risk of all microvascular complications (p<0.01-0.001), while the age at onset of T2DM predicted peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy and ASCVD (p<0.05-0.001). Retinopathy (p<0.001) and female (p<0.05) gender increased peripheral neuropathy risk. Nephropathy (p<0.05) and smoking (p<0.01) were major ASCVD predictors. CONCLUSION: EOD patients had worse glycemic and lipid profiles, but similar frequency of retinopathy and nephropathy as LOD. The high prevalence of microvascular complications in EOD may reduce productivity, highlighting the importance of early screening, better glycemic control, and timely complication management.