Comparative Analysis of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Registrations and Risk Factor Correlations in the UK (2022-24).

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus imposes a growing burden due to rising prevalence, complications, and costs. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune condition, primarily affects younger individuals, whereas Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is linked to lifestyle and socioeconomic factors in adults. Understanding how demographic, socioeconomic, and ethnic factors correlate with T1D and T2D registrations can guide targeted interventions.

OBJECTIVES

To compare correlations between risk factors (age, socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity) and T1D versus T2D registrations in the UK across the 2022-23 and 2023-24 audit periods.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, observational study using National Diabetes Audit (NDA) data from 2022-23 Q1 and 2023-24 Q1 on T1D and T2D registrations, which were cleaned and standardized. Correlation matrices and difference heatmaps were generated for numeric variables (age bands, Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintiles, ethnicity percentages, registrations) using seaborn. Trends and intergroup differences were analyzed.

RESULTS

T1D registrations correlated strongly with the under‑40 age group (r≈0.82-0.85) and weakly with socioeconomic deprivation (IMD most deprived: r≈0.15-0.18). T2D registrations correlated most with middle‑aged and older bands (40-64: r≈0.73-0.75; 65-79: r≈0.65-0.68) and strongly with IMD most deprived (r≈0.60-0.62). Ethnicity correlations: T1D strongest in White patients (r≈0.82-0.85), while T2D showed elevated associations with Asian British (r≈0.45-0.47) and Black British (r≈0.40-0.42). Difference analyses revealed widening age‑band disparities between T1D and T2D in 2023-24.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct patterns between T1D and T2D emphasize the need for differentiated strategies: youth‑focused management for T1D and socioeconomic and culturally tailored interventions for T2D. Continued monitoring and targeted public health policies are essential to reduce disparities and improve outcomes.