Late puberty in boys may increase risk of type 2 diabetes: Study finds
A large-scale study from Israel has found that boys who go through puberty later than average are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes later in life. These findings point to puberty timing as a potential early marker for chronic disease risk in young males.
Study finds delayed puberty linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood
The
study
, conducted in Israel, analysed health data from over 960,000 adolescent boys aged between 16 and 19 years who were assessed for military service between 1992 and 2015.
Of these, more than 4,300 were found to have experienced delayed puberty. Researchers followed these individuals until 2019, monitoring the development of type 2 diabetes over time. The findings revealed that boys with delayed puberty were approximately 2.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in early adulthood than those whose puberty occurred at the expected time.
Even after accounting for other influencing factors such as birth year, socioeconomic background, education level, region of origin, and cognitive ability, the association remained strong.
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Notably, when researchers adjusted for body mass index (BMI), a well-known contributor to diabetes, the risk was still 37% higher among those with delayed puberty. This suggests that puberty timing itself may play an independent role in shaping future metabolic health.
The difference in diabetes development between the two groups was significant:
140 per 100,000 boys with delayed puberty developed type 2 diabetes each year.
In contrast, only 41 per 100,000 boys with normal pubertal timing developed the condition annually.
These figures suggest that puberty timing may serve as a valuable predictor of future health risks.
How puberty timing in boys affects long-term health and diabetes risk
Puberty is a period of intense hormonal and physical transformation. During this stage, the body undergoes significant changes in insulin sensitivity, fat distribution, and hormone levels. Researchers believe that there may be a sensitive developmental window during adolescence when these hormonal shifts have lasting effects on how the body processes glucose and stores fat. Just as early childhood development influences cognitive and language skills, puberty could shape the body's long-term metabolic capacity.
Delayed puberty may reflect underlying hormonal imbalances or disruptions in growth signals, which could contribute to a higher risk of insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. This aligns with other research suggesting that adolescence is a 'programming' phase for the endocrine system, influencing not only reproductive health but also overall metabolic function.
Rising type 2 diabetes in teens and young adults: How puberty timing may play a role
Traditionally considered a disease of older adults, type 2 diabetes is now increasingly being diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.
Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie diets, and obesity are major contributors to this trend. However, the new research adds an important layer: developmental timing, particularly the onset of puberty, may also influence risk, independent of lifestyle choices.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Over time, this condition can result in complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve dysfunction, and vision problems. Recognising early-life signals like delayed puberty could therefore help identify individuals at greater risk before these complications arise.
Delayed puberty in boys could be an early warning sign for future health risks
In most cases, late puberty in boys is viewed as a normal variation with no lasting consequences. However, the latest findings challenge this view, suggesting that it may be a valuable clinical marker for identifying future health risks.
Adolescents with delayed puberty may benefit from closer health monitoring, particularly in terms of blood sugar levels, weight management, and hormonal evaluation.
If a child shows signs of delayed puberty, parents and healthcare providers should not dismiss it lightly. Instead, they should consider further assessment to understand the underlying cause and explore whether additional health checks are warranted.
This is particularly important for boys with a family history of diabetes or other metabolic disorders.
Lifestyle tips to reduce diabetes risk in boys with delayed puberty
For boys with delayed puberty or a family history of diabetes, early lifestyle changes can make a difference. Recommended actions:
Encourage regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or sports.
Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and sugary drinks.
Promote a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables.
Ensure sufficient sleep and manage stress.
Even small changes made consistently can help reduce the risk of diabetes and support healthy development during adolescence.
This research sheds new light on puberty as more than just a developmental milestone; it may also signal long-term health risks like type 2 diabetes.
Recognising delayed puberty as a potential early warning sign allows for earlier monitoring and intervention. As diabetes rises among younger populations, identifying such risk markers is key to prevention. With timely support and healthy lifestyle changes, at-risk adolescents can be guided towards a healthier future.
Also Read:
Side effects of eating non-veg daily: Study reveals 9 long-term health risks
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