New study highlights rising obesity rates among adults living with Type 1 Diabetes

A new international study has provided valuable insights, exploring the prevalence of obesity among adults living with and without type 1 diabetes across three different global regions.

This observational, cross-sectional study examined data from type 1 diabetes registries and national health surveys in Belgium, Kuwait, and Mexico. Researchers assessed the prevalence of obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, as well as overweight and obesity combined (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) in both populations. Demographic and clinical characteristics—including age, sex, HbA1c levels, and survey year—were taken into account.

The study analysed data from 3,594 individuals living with type 1 diabetes (collected between 2003 and 2022) and 9,898 individuals without type 1 diabetes (from 2014 to 2021). Researchers found in Kuwait and Mexico, individuals living with type 1 diabetes had a significantly lower prevalence of obesity compared to those without type 1 diabetes.

In Kuwait, 22 per cent of those with were classed as obese, compared to 44 per cent without the condition. In Mexico, the difference was more striking, with just 5 per cent of individuals living type 1 diabetes classified as obese, compared to 40 per cent of the non type 1 diabetes population. In Belgium, however, obesity prevalence among individuals living with type 1 diabetes was closer to that of the non type 1 diabetes population.

This study’s findings challenge the conventional perception that people living with type 1 diabetes are generally lean, demonstrating that obesity is, in fact, prevalent in this group. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies in type 1 diabetes care that address obesity, a growing concern that can further complicate diabetes management and increase the risk of complications.

As the global obesity epidemic continues to rise, these results emphasise the importance of rethinking care approaches for individuals living with type 1 diabetes, particularly in regions where obesity among the general population is also increasing.