Common gene variant may delay diabetes diagnosis in millions of men, study warns

Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 30: A common genetic condition, known as G6PD deficiency, may be delaying the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in millions of men globally, potentially increasing their risk of serious long-term complications, according to a new study published in Diabetes Care.

The research, conducted by the University of Exeter in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), reveals that men with G6PD deficiency are typically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years later than those without the gene variant. This delay, researchers say, stems from a flaw in the widely used HbA1c blood test, which can appear artificially low in people with the condition — leading to missed or late diagnoses.

G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) deficie