Findings underscore the importance of early, intensive treatment. The study focused on complications of youth-onset type 2 diabetes. Overall, researchers saw a steady decline in blood glucose control over 15 years.

Zeitler is the chair of the TODAY study group and is a professor of pediatrics, endocrinology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and medical director of the pediatric Clinical and Translational Research Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado, both located on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

The TODAY2 study focused on complications of youth-onset type 2 diabetes. Overall, researchers saw a steady decline in blood glucose control over 15 years. In addition,

• 67% of participants had high blood pressure
• nearly 52% had dyslipidemia, or high fat levels in the blood
• nearly 55% had kidney disease
• 32% had evidence of nerve disease
• 51% had eye disease.

Rates did not differ based on the original TODAY study treatment group assignment.

In addition, certain participants had a higher likelihood to develop multiple complications over time, with 28% developing two or more over the follow-up period. Participants who belonged to a minority racial or ethnic group, or who had high blood glucose, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia were at higher risk for developing a complication.

The study shows that not only is the disease having an impact on youth and young adults at a young age, but it also shows a clustering of complications. Eighty percent of participants had some complication. The majority had two, three or more complications.

Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Original written by Wendy Meyer. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.