The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched a significant nationwide study to tackle the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes among young people. This initiative aims to identify key risk factors and develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies for youth-onset type 2 diabetes.
Understanding the Challenge
Type 2 diabetes in youth presents unique challenges compared to adult-onset cases. Previous NIDDK-funded research indicates that young individuals often experience more aggressive disease progression and face difficulties in achieving adequate blood glucose control. Furthermore, many do not respond well to metformin, a common first-line treatment for adults. The condition is also associated with earlier development of diabetes-related complications, such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
"These factors all create a picture of a disease that is much more aggressive in youth than in adults, but we don’t understand what drives these differences," said Barbara Linder, M.D., Ph.D., NIDDK program director overseeing the study. "Consequently, young people are developing devastating complications of the disease during what should be the most productive years of their life."
DISCOVERY: A Comprehensive Approach
The study, known as DISCOVERY of Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Youth, will recruit 3,600 participants aged 9 to 14 who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Participants must have started puberty, have overweight or obesity, and have high-normal to above-normal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, though not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. The study population will reflect the diversity of youth with type 2 diabetes in the U.S., including representation from various racial and ethnic groups, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, and underserved rural areas.
The research team will collect extensive data on biological factors, as well as social and environmental influences, to understand the unique drivers of youth-onset type 2 diabetes. This includes examining social determinants of health, such as access to healthy food and safe places for physical activity, which can significantly impact health outcomes.
Collaborative Input and Future Impact
The study emphasizes collaboration with youth, young adults, and parents who have lived experience with type 2 diabetes. Their input will be crucial in shaping the study design and conduct, ensuring that the research is relevant and responsive to the needs of affected communities. This collaborative approach aims to improve recruitment, retention, and data collection methods.
"Most children we currently consider ‘at-risk’ for developing type 2 diabetes will not actually do so, so we need to better understand what factors define who is at risk and would benefit from targeted prevention strategies," said Dr. Linder. "These efforts are critical to lessen the immense burden, not just on young people and their families, but also the U.S. healthcare system, arising from the growing numbers of youth living with this disease and its debilitating complications."
