The number of young people under age 20 with diabetes in the U.S. is likely to increase more rapidly in future decades, according to a new study published in Diabetes Care by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This upward trend may lead to as many as 220,000 young people having type 2 diabetes in 2060 — a nearly 700% increase, and the number of young people with type 1 diabetes could increase by as much as 65% in the next 40 years.
In addition, even if the rate of new diabetes diagnoses among young people remains the same over the decades, type 2 diabetes diagnoses could increase by nearly 70%, and type 1 diabetes diagnoses could rise by 3% by 2060, said the study’s authors.
“This new research should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. It’s vital that we focus our efforts to ensure all Americans, especially our young people, are the healthiest they can be,” said CDC Acting Principal Deputy Director Debra Houry.
“The COVID-19 pandemic underscored how critically important it is to address chronic diseases like diabetes. This study further highlights the importance of continuing efforts to prevent and manage chronic diseases, not only for our current population but also for generations to come.”
Type 1 diabetes remains more common in U.S. youth, but type 2 diabetes has substantially increased among young people over the last two decades.
An estimated 526,000 young people may have diabetes (including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) by 2060. Comparatively, 213,000 young people in the U.S. had diabetes in 2017.
In addition to the overall predictions, analyses of these data by race and ethnicity predicted a higher burden of type 2 diabetes for Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native youth.
The CDC said there could be several explanations for the rise in type 2 diabetes, including the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity.
In addition, the presence of diabetes in people of childbearing age might be another important factor because maternal diabetes increases the risk of diabetes in children.
The agency added that people with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease or a stroke, diabetes complications, and premature death than those who do not have diabetes.
“Researchers are actively investigating ways of preventing type 1 diabetes, and studies in adults have identified steps that can be taken to reduce the risk factors for type 2 diabetes,” said the CDC.
“Increases in diabetes—especially among young people—are always worrisome, but these numbers are alarming,” said Christopher Holliday, director of CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation.
“This study’s startling projections of type 2 diabetes increases show why it is crucial to advance health equity and reduce the widespread disparities that already take a toll on people’s health.”