Get HCM digital magazine and ezines FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs   News   Features   Products   Magazine      Advertise  
Research
COVID hits diabetics harder

New research into Type 2 diabetes and COVID-19 is establishing the risks across different age groups, enabling policymakers to design interventions more effectively


People aged 40 with Type 2 diabetes face a “disproportionately increased risk of dying from COVID-19” – equivalent to the risk faced by a non-diabetic 20 years older.

The finding comes from a study led by researchers at the University of Exeter, which also shows that the risk of death from COVID-19 among those with Type 2 increases the younger they are, compared with people of a similar age without the condition.

Published in the journal Diabetologia, the study – The disproportionate excess mortality risk of COVID-19 in younger people with diabetes – is based on an analysis of three large-scale datasets and triangulates the evidence on heterogeneity of diabetes effect, by age, on COVID-19 mortality from large population-based and critical care-based studies.

Challenging the young
“For a person aged 40 years with Type 2 diabetes, additional mortality risk is equivalent to around 20 years of chronological age, meaning that mortality risk is similar to that of a 60-year-old person without diabetes,” reads the study.

“For a person aged 70 years with diabetes, the additional mortality risk from diabetes is equivalent to an additional eight years of chronological age, meaning that their ‘COVID-age’ is 78 years.”

Although not the only cause, obesity is believed to account for up to 80 per cent of the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while research suggests that obese people are up to 80 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those with a BMI of less than 22.

The UK has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, with more than 1 in 4 (28.1 per cent) adults obese and nearly two out of three (63.4 per cent) people overweight.

More: HCMmag.com/diabetes
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Introducing a new era of Nautilus Leverage
Strength training has never been more important for member retention, facility differentiation and long-term commercial success. [more...]

Legends never die: four legends, four philosophies of life
Panatta brought together four of the most influential figures in bodybuilding history on the stage of RiminiWellness 2026: Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Safe Space Lockers

We provide a full turn-key solution for clients from design and consultation, through to bespoke man [more...]
Alliance Leisure

Alliance Leisure Services was specifically established to respond to the changing development need [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
HCM
LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES
HEALTH CLUB HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Get HCM digital magazine and ezines FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs    News   Products   Magazine
Research
COVID hits diabetics harder

New research into Type 2 diabetes and COVID-19 is establishing the risks across different age groups, enabling policymakers to design interventions more effectively


People aged 40 with Type 2 diabetes face a “disproportionately increased risk of dying from COVID-19” – equivalent to the risk faced by a non-diabetic 20 years older.

The finding comes from a study led by researchers at the University of Exeter, which also shows that the risk of death from COVID-19 among those with Type 2 increases the younger they are, compared with people of a similar age without the condition.

Published in the journal Diabetologia, the study – The disproportionate excess mortality risk of COVID-19 in younger people with diabetes – is based on an analysis of three large-scale datasets and triangulates the evidence on heterogeneity of diabetes effect, by age, on COVID-19 mortality from large population-based and critical care-based studies.

Challenging the young
“For a person aged 40 years with Type 2 diabetes, additional mortality risk is equivalent to around 20 years of chronological age, meaning that mortality risk is similar to that of a 60-year-old person without diabetes,” reads the study.

“For a person aged 70 years with diabetes, the additional mortality risk from diabetes is equivalent to an additional eight years of chronological age, meaning that their ‘COVID-age’ is 78 years.”

Although not the only cause, obesity is believed to account for up to 80 per cent of the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while research suggests that obese people are up to 80 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those with a BMI of less than 22.

The UK has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, with more than 1 in 4 (28.1 per cent) adults obese and nearly two out of three (63.4 per cent) people overweight.

More: HCMmag.com/diabetes
LATEST NEWS
Fitness First UK unveils makeover of Highbury club with new recovery and Pilates offerings
Fitness First UK has raised the bar with its latest refurbishment, in Highbury, London, as it continues to premiumise its estate.
Total Fitness research charts the fitness industry’s post-pandemic transformation
It’s been five years since the fitness industry reopened after the last lockdown – long enough to look back on the impact the pandemic had on the sector and what might come next. 
Wattbike and EGYM integration allows addition of VO2 max tests
Wattbike has announced a new integration with EGYM, which enables the bikes to contribute to the Cardio BioAge score of individuals via a VO2 max result.
Les Mills launches reformer Pilates workout
Les Mills has launched a reformer Pilates workout. The 45-minute workout blends traditional reformer movements and more contemporary exercises, choreographed to music. 
HCM Invest opens applications for pitching slots
The inaugural HCM Invest event has opened applications for pitching slots ahead of its launch in London on 21 October 2026.
Researchers find that 90-120 minutes of strength training a week has longevity benefits
According to research which tracked more than 147,000 people for 30 years, 90-120 minutes of strength training a week may deliver some of the biggest long-term health rewards.
Everlast pushes internationally with Dublin site
Everlast Gyms expands its footprint outside of the UK this month with the imminent launch of a club in Dublin.
UK updates physical activity guidelines with focus on daily movement
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Places Leisure is working with Roberts Limbrick to build £60m wellness flagship in Basingstoke
Places Leisure has exchanged contracts to build and operate a flagship £60m water and leisure destination on behalf of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
PureGym announces expansion into Ireland
The Republic of Ireland will become the latest market in PureGym’s expanding international portfolio, with the first launch planned for Dublin in 2027.
Total Fitness CEO Sophie Lawler launches leadership coaching venture
Sophie Lawler, CEO of Total Fitness, has launched a leadership coaching business aimed at helping women realise their professional potential.
Anytime Fitness reaches milestone moment and targets Europe for growth
Anytime Fitness opened more than one club a day in 2025 and is on track to maintain this rate of growth this year, as parent company Purpose Brands targets further international expansion.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Introducing a new era of Nautilus Leverage
Strength training has never been more important for member retention, facility differentiation and long-term commercial success. [more...]

Legends never die: four legends, four philosophies of life
Panatta brought together four of the most influential figures in bodybuilding history on the stage of RiminiWellness 2026: Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Safe Space Lockers

We provide a full turn-key solution for clients from design and consultation, through to bespoke man [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS