Writer: Anish Kalva
Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90-95% of all diagnosed diabetes cases among more than 38 million Americans, with symptoms often developing gradually over several years before detection. While traditionally considered a disease of middle-aged individuals, Type 2 diabetes is increasingly emerging as a critical health concern for younger generations [1]. But, what is Type 2 Diabetes anyway and why is it a concern for younger individuals as well?
This disease develops when the body either can’t produce sufficient insulin or becomes resistant to the insulin it produces. When insulin resistance occurs, the pancreas attempts to compensate by producing more insulin, but eventually can’t keep up, leading to rises in blood sugar. These high blood sugar levels are a root cause of serious health complications, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
While Type 2 Diabetes most commonly develops in individuals aged 45 and older, there has been a concerning increase in the number of diagnoses among teens and young adults. [1] The United Kingdom experienced a nearly 40% increase in Type 2 Diabetes diagnoses among people under 40 [2]. Finally, almost 1% of high school students in North Texas were diagnosed, and nearly 1 in 10 had prediabetic conditions [3].
Globally, obesity has become the most common cause of malnutrition, rising to over 43% in America. The situation is equally concerning among youth, where nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children have obesity. Insufficient physical activity combined with poor dietary habits, particularly diets high in refined carbohydrates and foods with excessive sugar, fuel the rise in childhood obesity. Additionally, the frequent consumption of baked goods, fruit juices, and candy contributes to the excessive added sugar intake in children, potentially leading to insulin resistance and the development of prediabetic and Type 2 diabetic conditions [4].
Given the alarming rise of childhood obesity, implementing preventive measures early is essential to reducing the diabetes risk. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective interventions, such as walking for at least 30 minutes daily four to five times a week can significantly reduce the risk by increasing the frequency and intensity of activity.
Beyond exercise, dietary improvements play a crucial role. Rather than only reducing added sugar intake, individuals should focus on maintaining daily caloric intake at or below their daily caloric expenditure. Furthermore, consistent health monitoring through regular check-ups with a primary care physician, including cholesterol and blood sugar level screenings, can identify diabetes risk early and enable time for intervention before the disease develops [3].
With appropriate planning, healthcare support, and lifestyle modifications, the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, especially in youth, can be substantially reduced. Early intervention not only prevents the onset of diabetes, but also promotes overall health and longevity.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes. Published May 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-2-diabetes.html
The N. Alarming rise in young-onset type 2 diabetes. The Lancet Diabetes & endocrinology. 2024;12(7). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s2213-8587(24)00161-
McGuire D. Protecting teens and young adults from Type 2 diabetes | Heart | UT Southwestern Medical Center. Utswmed.org. Published 2014. https://utswmed.org/medblog/teens-type-2-diabetes/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood Obesity Facts. CDC. Published April 2, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood-obesity-facts/childhood-obesity-facts.html