The Burden of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Young People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and distribution of cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals with T2DM under the age of 35.

Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology over eight months (July 2022 to February 2023) after obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board. All individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus under 35 years of age, regardless of gender, were enrolled using convenience sampling after providing informed consent. Data collected included demographic details, clinical history and measurements (BMI, blood pressure, acanthosis nigricans), and relevant laboratory investigations. All information was recorded on a structured proforma and SPSS version 20.0 was used.

Results: A total of 327 T2DM patients were enrolled (58.1% male, 41.9% female), with 72.8% classified as obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m²). Hypertension was present in 23.9%, and 85.6% had poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7%). Dyslipidemia was highly prevalent, with over 90% showing elevated cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and 88.4% having low HDL. Obesity was more common in females (p = 0.014) and associated with worse glycemic and lipid profiles. Higher HbA1c correlated with increased rates of obesity, hypertension (p = 0.027), and dyslipidemia (p < 0.001) Obese individuals had significantly higher mean HbA1c (10.20 ± 1.79, p = 0.03), triglycerides (207.60 ± 46.0 mg/dL, p = 0.001), and LDL (146.96 ± 31.36 mg/dL, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Young adults with T2DM exhibit a high burden and clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors, underscoring the critical need for early, integrated interventions to prevent premature cardiovascular complications in this high-risk group.