Type 2 Diabetes Before 30 can Cut Life Expectancy by 15 Years, Warns Lancet Report

A recent article by Lancet warns that early-onset type 2 diabetes is rising sharply worldwide, with young Indians at growing risk. Diagnosed before age 30, the disease may shorten life expectancy by up to 15 years, calling for urgent, youth-focused public health action.

New Delhi: Type 2 diabetes is no longer a disease of the middle-aged. It is now increasingly impacting people in their 20s and 30s – and even teenagers. A new global Series published by The Lancet – one of the world’s leading medical journals – has highlighted the growing epidemic of early-onset type 2 diabetes (i.e., those diagnosed with diabetes younger than 40 years of age). This trend has particular urgency for India, where the youth population is large, and urban lifestyles are changing rapidly.

According to The Lancet, early-onset type 2 diabetes is rising rapidly worldwide, with prevalence exceeding 15% in some countries. The disease in young people tends to be more aggressive, leading to earlier complications and higher chances of premature death. Those diagnosed before the age of 30 may lose up to 15 years of life expectancy.

In India, studies have shown that young adults often develop diabetes with fewer visible signs of obesity, especially among urban populations, which makes early detection even more challenging.

Experts point to a combination of childhood obesity, genetic risk factors, sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition as key contributors. The widespread availability and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, especially through digital platforms, are also playing a damaging role.

Also read: How much weight counts as obesity in India? BMI, myths, and confusion explained

While new weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 receptor agonists are being hailed as breakthroughs, The Lancet warns they’re expensive, not a long-term solution, and out of reach for many in low- and middle-income countries.

A significant concern raised in the Series is the tendency to blame young people for their condition. We often talk about personal responsibility, but the truth is, our environments are stacked against healthy living, which has created stigma and discouraged many from seeking timely treatment or adopting preventive measures.

Public health experts agree that prevention must be the core strategy. India already has examples to learn from, such as Mexico’s soda tax, which successfully reduced consumption and sparked wider health awareness. But policy momentum in India remains slow, partly due to push back from the powerful food and beverage industry.

As lifestyle-related diseases take root earlier in life, the long-term costs, to individuals, families, and the healthcare system, will be immense. What’s needed now is not just more medicine, but more ambition and innovation in public health, particularly designed for younger populations.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on findings and insights published in The Lancet, a leading peer-reviewed medical journal. The Lancet is one of the world’s oldest and most respected medical publications, known for its rigorous scientific standards and high-impact global health research.