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A recent study led by researchers from Peking University and published in Health Data Science has revealed an alarming rise in early-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) among adolescents and young adults in China. The study, which draws on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, underscores the escalating public health crisis of T2D in the country, particularly among younger populations.
From 1990 to 2021, the incidence of early-onset T2D nearly doubled, with the age-standardized incidence rate increasing from 140.20 per 100,000 individuals in 1990 to 315.97 per 100,000 in 2021. This equates to an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 2.67%. During the same period, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with early-onset T2D surged from 116.29 to 267.47 per 100,000 individuals, marking an AAPC of 2.75%. Despite these concerning increases, mortality rates showed only a modest decline.
The burden of early-onset T2D is particularly pronounced in young males, who have experienced higher rates of incidence, DALYs, and mortality compared to their female counterparts. The study further identifies the 15–19 age group as experiencing the fastest rise in incidence, with an AAPC of 4.08%. These findings highlight the urgent need for age-specific interventions to address this growing health threat.
The study attributes the rise in early-onset T2D primarily to obesity, with a high body mass index (BMI) contributing to 59.85% of DALYs in 2021, up from 40.08% in 1990. Other contributing factors include ambient particulate matter pollution and diets rich in red meat.
Professor Siyan Zhan, from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Peking University’s School of Public Health, emphasized the need for comprehensive public health strategies. “Our findings underscore the urgent need for obesity prevention, improved environmental health, and dietary interventions to mitigate the rising incidence of early-onset T2D,” said Professor Zhan.
The study calls for targeted interventions, particularly for males and younger age groups, including public awareness campaigns, policy reforms, and community-based health programs to combat this growing crisis.
This research offers critical insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals, providing a roadmap to address the escalating burden of early-onset T2D in China.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the findings of a study published in Health Data Science and is intended for informational purposes only. For personalized health advice, consult with a healthcare professional.
More information: Junting Yang et al, “The Burden of Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Young Adults in China: A Secondary Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021,” Health Data Science (2024). DOI: 10.34133/hds.0210.
