Diabetes is Increasing in Young People: What to Know
Jake Newby
| 3 min read
Jake Newby is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue...
Key Takeaways
- Diabetes rates are rising among children, teens and young adults, driven by increasing obesity, inactivity and social health challenges.
- Type 2 diabetes risk increases when factors such as obesity, family history and abnormal cholesterol levels occur together.
- Youth-onset diabetes can lead to earlier complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, vision problems and nerve damage.
- Regular activity, nutritious foods, healthy weight management and routine screenings can help reduce Type 2 diabetes risk.
Diabetes is typically viewed as a condition that affects older adults, but that reality is changing. Researchers are seeing more children, teens and young adults diagnosed with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, raising concerns about unhealthy lifestyle choices that could lead to long-term health complications
Roughly 364,000 Americans under the age of 20 are living with diagnosed diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), while more than 40 million Americans overall have the condition. Meanwhile, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that new diabetes cases among young people have steadily increased during the past two decades.
Why are diabetes rates rising in young people?
The increase is being driven by several factors. Rising obesity or overweight rates, sedentary lifestyles and social drivers of health are at the top of the list. While Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that cannot be prevented, Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to lifestyle and environmental risk factors.
The CDC reports that between 2002 and 2018, new cases of Type 1 diabetes among people younger than 20 increased by about 2% annually. During the same period, new cases of Type 2 diabetes doubled, increasing by about 5% per year.
Understanding common risk factors for diabetes
Not every young person who develops diabetes has the same risk profile. A study examining prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes in youth found that risk increases when multiple factors are present. The primary factors include:
- Obesity
- Family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- A maternal history of gestational diabetes
Researchers observed that the prevalence of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes nearly doubled among youth with four or more risk factors compared to those with only one risk factor.
Experts believe the rise in youth diabetes is being driven by more than genetics alone. A separate study found that obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet quality, inadequate sleep and socioeconomic factors are all contributing to higher rates of Type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents.
Social drivers of health and biological factors often work in unison. Limited access to healthy foods, fewer opportunities for physical activity, chronic stress and socioeconomic challenges can all contribute to diabetes risk alongside genetics and excess body weight.
Why early diabetes prevention matters
One of the biggest concerns about youth-onset diabetes is that it gives the disease more time to damage the body.
The CDC notes that young people diagnosed with diabetes may face a higher risk of complications by early adulthood because they live with the condition for many more years. Complications can include heart disease, kidney disease, vision problems and nerve damage.
The earlier risk factors are identified, the greater the opportunity to prevent or delay progression to Type 2 diabetes.
How young people can reduce their diabetes risk
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes, several evidence-based habits can help lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes:
- Stay physically active: Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity most days of the week.
- Prioritize whole foods: Build meals based around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats while limiting sugary beverages and highly processed foods.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest improvements in weight management can support healthy blood sugar regulation.
- Know your family history: If diabetes runs in your family, it’s worth discussing screening options with your primary care provider.
- Schedule regular checkups: Early screening can identify prediabetes before it progresses.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
