A new study published in the Diabetic Medicine journal has revealed that young adults suffering from severe mental illness may develop type 2 Diabetes.

The research headed by Dr. Jayati Das-Munshi evaluated 588,408 individuals under the London's general practices database to examine the correlation between several mental illnesses and the metabolic disease, and how age and ethnicity affect risk factors. The age of the participants in the study ranged from 18 to 34 years old.

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The results show that the participants who do not show severe mental illness only have a 7.6 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes while individuals whose age ranges from 18 to 34 have a higher relative risk of type 2 diabetes related with severe mental illness. The risk decreases as the age increases.

The scientists from King's College London also revealed that those with compromised mental health have a 16 percent chance of developing the metabolic disease. Further, Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani participants showed a higher risk of developing both diseases.

The lead research recommended that future policies and research should give attention to people with compromised mental health and type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Das-Munshi said that "routine screening and clinical management for type 2 diabetes in people with severe mental illness, even in relatively young populations and not just in people prescribed with antipsychotic medications." He also suggested that routine screening and management in ethnically diverse populations should be conducted. "The use of interventions in these populations to improve screening and management should be considered - it would be helpful to develop these in partnership with service users," he added.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common diabetes type wherein the body becomes incapable of producing insulin. This results in increased level of sugar in the body. This metabolic condition can be triggered by genetic factors.