Clinical Profile, Risk Factors, and Complications in Young-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), defined as a diagnosis before the age of 45, is an increasingly common and aggressive form of diabetes. This population is at a heightened risk of developing complications earlier in life due to longer disease duration and often suboptimal glycemic control. Complications such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy are significant concerns, leading to reduced quality of life and increased morbidity. Objective To investigate the clinical profile and risk factors associated with complications of young-onset T2DM and to analyze the correlation between the age of onset and other parameters and the development of these complications. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on young-onset T2DM patients (<45 years) to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of diabetic complications. Variables analyzed included age, gender, BMI, waist-hip ratio, duration of diabetes, age at diagnosis, proteinuria, and glycosuria, along with biochemical markers such as HbA1C (glycated hemoglobin), serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-peptide levels. Results The average age of participants in our study was 34.76 ± 6.91 years. The mean BMI was 26.68 ± 3.35, with a mean cholesterol level of 169.84 ± 55.64 and a mean triglyceride level of 205.79 ± 67.49. The average HbA1c level was 9.82 ± 2.44. Diabetic neuropathy was found to increase significantly with advancing age (p < 0.001), longer duration of diabetes (p < 0.001), higher mean levels of HbA1C (p < 0.001), serum cholesterol (p = 0.006), and serum triglycerides (p = 0.010), as well as with lower levels of serum C-peptide (p = 0.025). The severity of kidney damage showed a significant association with older age (p = 0.049), longer diabetes duration (p < 0.01), elevated mean levels of HbA1C (p = 0.0002), and serum cholesterol (p = 0.0310). Diabetic retinopathy increased significantly with advancing age (p < 0.001), longer diabetes duration (p < 0.001), higher mean levels of HbA1C (p < 0.001), and serum triglycerides (p = 0.013). Conclusion Young-onset T2DM is associated with significant risks for neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, particularly with increasing age and longer disease duration. Higher HbA1C, serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels are prevalent among those with complications. These findings underscore the need for early intervention and targeted management strategies to mitigate complications in this high-risk population.