Diabetes is not a Single Disease

Original Article: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/diabetes-subgroups-differ-complication-and-mortality-risk-2026a10000j7

What the Study Found

A recent UK study showed that adults with diabetes can be grouped into distinct subtypes — and these subgroups have different risks for complications. Researchers analyzed data from a large group of adults with diabetes and found that not everyone with the disease has the same health trajectory; some subtypes are linked with higher or lower risks of developing serious complications or dying prematurely.

Differences in Complication and Mortality Risks

The study identified multiple subgroups based on factors such as age at diagnosis, body-mass index (BMI), blood sugar levels, and other clinical features. Some subgroups experienced a higher risk of complications — such as heart disease, kidney problems, or nerve damage — and higher premature mortality rates, while others had comparatively lower risk profiles. This suggests that diabetes is not a single uniform disease, but rather a set of related conditions that affect people differently, which could guide how doctors monitor and treat patients.

Why Subgroups Matter

Identifying subgroups matters because it could help healthcare providers personalize treatment and monitoring strategies. For example, people in high-risk subgroups might need closer follow-up and more aggressive management to reduce the chance of complications or early death, while those in lower-risk subgroups might avoid unnecessary treatments.

What This Means for Care

This research supports a newer, more tailored approach to diabetes care, where doctors consider not just blood sugar levels but also characteristics like age, weight, and how the disease manifests in each person. With better subgroup classification, treatment plans can be more precisely matched to a person’s own risk profile, potentially improving outcomes and saving lives.