Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 12-7-2025
Abstract
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents has increased substantially over recent decades, paralleling rising rates of pediatric obesity and metabolic risk. Youth-onset T2DM is characterized by significant insulin resistance accompanied by an inadequate compensatory insulin response, resulting in progressive hyperglycemia and early beta-cell dysfunction. Incidence varies widely among racial and ethnic groups, with the highest rates observed in non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander youth. Risk factors include obesity, family history, high-risk ethnicity, pubertal insulin resistance, prenatal metabolic exposures, and comorbid conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic hyperglycemia to symptomatic cases with polyuria, polydipsia, weight changes, and, in a minority, diabetic ketoacidosis. Screening is recommended for at-risk youth beginning at age 10 or onset of puberty, using hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, or oral glucose tolerance testing. Diagnosis is established using standard glycemic criteria, and differentiation from type 1 diabetes requires assessment of pancreatic autoantibodies and, in some cases, C-peptide. Early identification of prediabetes and T2DM is essential to initiate lifestyle intervention, address comorbidities, and prevent long-term vascular and metabolic complications.
Recommended Citation
Alsabbagh, Bisher and Alsabbagh, Whard, "Epidemiology, Presentation, and Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents" (2025). School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology). 453.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/bio_fac/453
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