Type 2 diabetes rates surge among adolescents in US and Germany

A significant rise in Type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents has been identified in recent long-term studies. Research from the Colorado Diabetes Registry in the United States shows that the incidence rate for 10- to 19-year-olds increased nearly tenfold over two decades, rising from 2.37 cases per 100,000 in 2002 to 22.3 cases per 100,000 in 2023.

Experts warn that Type 2 diabetes in young people can be more aggressive than in adults, potentially leading to early complications in the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Tessa Crume of the Colorado School of Public Health noted that lifestyle changes alone may be less effective for adolescents than for adults, often requiring medication.

In Germany, data from the Robert Koch Institute indicates a similar concerning trend. Between 2014 and 2022, the incidence among 11- to 17-year-olds was approximately 4.4 per 100,000, with an annual increase of 6.7 percent. The rise is particularly pronounced in boys, with a 12 percent annual increase. Experts link this trend to rising obesity rates, noting that obesity carries significant economic implications.