Research presented at the EASD annual meeting reveals a significant correlation between early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and increased rates of ADHD, autism, and learning difficulties, prompting questions about early-life factors and healthcare access.
A new analysis from researchers at the University of Leicester suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism are diagnosed more often in people with type 2 diabetes, with the strongest link seen in those diagnosed with diabetes at a younger age. The findings are due to be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes’ annual meeting in Milan, which runs from 28 September to 2 October.
The team examined health records from the US-based TriNetX database covering March 2006 to March 2026, comparing 4.2 million people with type 2 diabetes with 17.1 million without the condition. After matching 3.4 million pairs for age, birth year, sex, ethnicity and race, the researchers found that the differences were most pronounced among people diagnosed with diabetes before the age of 20. In that group, ADHD was recorded in 14.4% of patients with diabetes, compared with 6.9% of those without it, while autism was identified in 5.72% versus 1.79%.
The gap narrowed with age. Among people whose diabetes was first diagnosed between the ages of 70 and 79, ADHD was only modestly more common, and autism remained rare in both groups. The study also found higher rates of dyslexia and dyspraxia, a condition that affects coordination and movement, among people with type 2 diabetes. Overall, the researchers said dyslexia was about twice as common in the diabetes group as in those without the condition.
The findings do not mean that autism or ADHD causes diabetes, or that diabetes causes either neurodevelopmental condition. The Leicester researchers said the relationship could reflect a combination of factors, including differences in physical activity, sleep disruption, medication use, mental health and access to healthcare. They also pointed to possible influences early in life, including diabetes during pregnancy, which may shape later risk. The work adds to a growing body of research suggesting that type 2 diabetes, especially when it begins young, may be linked with a broader pattern of neurodevelopmental and learning difficulties.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
