Understanding the sudden rise of type 2 diabetes in children

The rise of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents initially baffled medical professionals when it began to manifest traditionally adult symptoms in younger, predominantly overweight patients. This shift has prompted ongoing research into the drivers of this trend, particularly among marginalized groups, with a focus on the complex interplay between genetic, metabolic, environmental, and socio-economic factors that contribute to disease progression in youths. Recent findings highlight the aggressive nature of the disease in younger populations and the limited effectiveness of treatments like metformin, which is commonly used in adults. This has intensified the urgency for developing effective preventive measures and identifying those at highest risk, as young patients are developing complications related to diabetes much earlier in life, significantly impacting their long-term health and quality of life.

https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/health-disease/2024/type-2-diabetes-children