Evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes among younger patients is not only more aggressive and difficult to treat, but that it leads to premature development of complications. It leads to a significant number of unfavorable long-term outcomes.

The sharp rise in the early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has many professionals likely wondering why type 2 diabetes is more aggressive among adolescents and young adults than among older adults. There are a few possible reasons.

Lack of testing and treatment options

The truth is that until recently, type 2 diabetes among younger individuals was rare. It has become more widespread among younger people in recent years.

There are likely fewer long-term studies conducted on people in younger age groups. There are also fewer medications to treat diabetes among young people, compared to adult medications.

Statistics do show an increase among younger people with prediabetes.

Change in lifestyle

Children and teens used to spend the majority of their time outdoors participating in activities such as riding bikes, playing sports, climbing trees, playing games and other activities. Today’s youth lead sedentary lifestyles, spending their time in front of a game system or TV. This sedentary lifestyle is the same sort that exacerbates diabetes in older adults.

Once further studies are conducted, and more youth are tested for diabetes, we will discover why type 2 diabetes is more aggressive in today’s youth.