Young people from low-income families are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- In France, the overall prevalence of diabetes was estimated at 5% of the population in 2016, with type 2 diabetes corresponding to 90% of cases.
- More and more young people are suffering from type 2 diabetes.
- A new study indicates an association between poverty and type 2 diabetes among young people.
Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult disease, is affecting more and more young people around the world, jeopardizing their health and quality of life.
Type 2 diabetes and poverty: more than 5 million young people analyzed
A recent study conducted in Taiwan examined the relationship between parental income level and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in young people. Researchers analyzed data from more than 5 million children and adolescents.
“This study used Taiwan Health Insurance data from 2008, with follow-up until December 31, 2019. Participants were children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years. Data analysis was carried out from June 9, 2022 to January 16, 2023”, explain the scientists. “The Cox model was used to estimate the risks of type 2 diabetes and all-cause mortality for all income groups relative to the high-income group,” they add.
The study results found that children from very low, low, and middle income families had a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those from high income families.
In addition to the increased risk of type 2 diabetes, the study also found that children and adolescents from very low-, low-, and middle-income families were also more likely to die prematurely.
“Children and adolescents who were obese or had dyslipidemia, gout, and psychiatric disorders had a significantly higher risk of type 2 diabetes than children without these characteristics,” add the authors of the survey.
Type 2 diabetes among young people and poverty: new research to come?
“Additional research aimed at revealing the factors underlying these associations could improve the identification of individuals at highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes in young people,” write the scientists in conclusion.
These results also highlight the need to take into account socio-economic factors in health policies aimed at treating type 2 diabetes in young people.
In France, the prevalence global diabetes was estimated at 5% of the population in 2016, with type 2 diabetes corresponding to 90% of cases.
“This figure is, however, largely underestimated since it does not take into account untreated or undiagnosed people. However, given the silent nature of the disease, it is estimated that 20 to 30% of adults with diabetes are not diagnosed. . This share decreases with age, falling to 13% among those aged 55–74”, specifies Inserm.
