[Early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. The experience from a third level medical institution].

Objective: Describe the clinical, metabolic and psychosocial characteristics observed among patients with early onset type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods: We included 80 consecutive patients with early onset T2DM. All had a medical record, completed a battery of questionnaires and had blood and urine tests.

Results: Mean age was 49 +/- 12 years, 57.5% were women, 76.2% had a family history of diabetes and 68.8% a personal history of obesity. Diabetes was diagnosed at the mean age of 32 +/- 6 years with a mean duration of 17 +/- 11 years. Most patients (66.2%) were on poor glycemic control (Alc > 9.0%) and 30% were depressed. Insulin was commonly needed (80% of the patients) and started on average 9 years after diagnosis Significant diabetes related complications were common (71.3% of patients). A longer diabetes duration was the variable most significantly associated with developing complications (p < 0.00001).

Conclusions: Patients with early onset T2DM constitute 27.8% of the total number of diabetic patients attending our clinic; they are characterized by a stronger family history of diabetes, a personal history of obesity and co-morbidities associated with metabolic syndrome. Longer disease course and poor glycemic control contribute to a high prevalence of diabetes related complications and high rates of mortality.