Table 4.

Key Points

• The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) varies across different countries and regions globally, but there is a consistent upward trend in its occurrence. Large-scale national studies in countries like Sweden, Germany, and India have reported similar increasing trends.
• Contrary to common perception, not all adolescents with T2D are severely obese. Only 70-80% fall into this category.
• Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in the prevalence of T2D, with lower socioeconomic status being associated with higher incidence in Western countries, while the opposite is observed in low-income countries.
• Although adolescents are at higher risk of developing T2D, there are growing reports of T2D cases in children younger than 10 years old.
• The gender distribution of T2D varies, with a higher proportion of cases in females in Western countries but a higher proportion in males in the Middle East and China.
• Promisingly, there are new medications designed for weight loss, which hold the potential to reduce the high rates of complications associated with T2D in children.
• There are low prescription rates for statins and contraception in the management of T2D in adolescents, highlighting potential gaps in medical care.
• Many complications of T2D can potentially be reversed if detected and treated aggressively in their early stages.

From: Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents- A Focus on Diagnosis and Treatment

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