Profiling of Macrovascular and Microvascular Complications in Young-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review

Young-onset type 2 diabetes is defined as type 2 diabetes diagnosed before the age of 40 years. It is characterized by more aggressive pathology compared with type 2 diabetes diagnosed later in life, leading to earlier susceptibility to macrovascular and microvascular complications. This scoping review comprehensively profiles the complications associated with young-onset type 2 diabetes. Early detection of these complications, comprehensive risk assessment, and multifaceted glycemic management will improve quality of life and overall life expectancy in this population.

Key Points

· This review identified and synthesized evidence on microvascular and macrovascular complications related to young-onset type 2 diabetes.

· Findings revealed that cardiovascular conditions are the most common macrovascular complications, and diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy are the most common microvascular complications of young-onset type 2 diabetes.

· Decline in β-cell function is accelerated in this population compared with people with later-onset type 2 diabetes or type 1 diabetes; hence, early screening, interventions to improve β-cell function, and effective glycemic management are particular important.