Lesbian and bisexual (LB) women develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) at younger ages than heterosexual women, with higher body mass index a key contributor to this disparity. This according to findings from women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II aged 24-44 years in 1989 who were prospectively followed through 2013. Self-reported clinician diagnosis of T2D was assessed every other year to identify incidence. Researchers found:

• 1,267 women identified as lesbian or bisexual and 92,983 identified as heterosexual.
• LB women had a 27% higher risk of developing T2D vs heterosexual women (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.27).
• Differences between LB women and heterosexual women in risk of T2D were greater during younger ages.
• BMI mediated the relationship between sexual orientation and T2D.