An increase in the number of children and adolescents being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to be reported in many populations worldwide. Although not as prevalent in childhood as Type 1 diabetes (T1D), early onset T2D is associated with an increased risk of complications of diabetes, comorbidities and mortality early in life when compared to youth diagnosed with T1D.
This talk will focus on the epidemiology of youth-onset T2D, showcasing evidence of its increasing incidence and/or prevalence in different populations worldwide. Data describing the demographic characteristics of youth diagnosed with T2D as well as the high prevalence of comorbidities and diabetes related complications at the time of diagnosis will also be presented.
T2D is a relatively new disease in paediatrics and its diagnosis in youth with risk factors for this significant disease needs to be considered even in pre-pubertal children. Early diagnosis and targeted management of their diabetes, with regular screening to minimise the risk of chronic complications is critical to reduce the current and future burden of this disease, including the potential trans-generational effects of youth-onset T2D to future generations.