Approach to the Patient with Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Aug 16:dgad482. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgad482. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTYouth-onset type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic with a rising incidence worldwide. Although the pathogenesis and diagnosis of youth-onset type 2 diabetes are similar to adult-onset type 2 diabetes, youth-onset type 2 diabetes is unique, with greater insulin resistance, insulin hypersecretion, and faster progression of pancreatic beta cell function decline. Individuals with youth-onset type 2 diabetes also develop complications at higher rates within short periods of time compared to adults with type 2 diabetes or youth with type 1 diabetes. The highest prevalence and incidence of youth-onset type 2 diabetes in the United States is among youth from minoritized racial and ethnic groups. Risk factors include obesity, family history of type 2 diabetes, co-morbid conditions and use of medications associated with insulin resistance and rapid weight gain, socio-economic and environmental stressors, and birth history of small-for-gestational-age or pregnancy associated with gestational or pre-gestational diabetes. Patients with youth-onset type 2 diabetes should be treated using a multi-disciplinary model with frequent clinic visits and emphasis on addressing of social and psychological barriers to care, glycemic control, as well as close monitoring for comorbidities and complications. Intensive health behavior therapy is an important component of treatment, in addition to medic...
Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Source Type: research