Older adults were the most likely to have type 2 diabetes. It is becoming more common in teens and children due to factors such as diet and rates of Obesity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 34 million U.S. people are living with diabetes. Up to 95% of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes.

It is possible to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes — read on to learn what you can do to prevent or delay its onset, no matter your age.

According to the CDC’s National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020, there were around 1.5 million new total diabetes cases in U.S. adults in 2018.

The most likely age group to receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was 45 to 64 years old.

New cases of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in people ages 18 and older were as follows:

Age group Number of new cases in 2018
18–44 years 452,000
45–64 years 706,000
65 years and over 326,000

In 2018, the CDC report notes that 210,000 people under age 20 received a diabetes diagnosis. Of these, 187,000 had type 1 diabetes.

People ages 10 to 19 were diagnosed with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes at a higher rate.

In the past, type 2 diabetes was more common in adults, while type 1 diabetes was more common in children and young adults. More children are getting type 2 diabetes diagnoses.

Experts believe type 1 diabetes occurs due to an autoimmune reaction. Type 2 diabetes is more likely a result of lifestyle factors.

In 2012, researchers looked at how cases of diabetes could rise in people under age 20. The researchers predicted that the number could increase by up to 49% by 2050. If the rates of incidence increase, the number of type 2 diabetes cases in youth could quadruple.

How does type 2 diabetes affect children?

Some racial groups have a higher risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, according to statistics from the CDC. The reasons for this remain unclear, but social and economic disparities likely play a role.

The likelihood of being diagnosed with diabetes after the age of 18 was higher in the year of 2017:

  • American and Alaskan Natives make up 14.7% of the population.
  • Those of Hispanic origin get a cut of the price.
  • 11.7% of the population is black.
  • 9.2% for non-Hispanic Asians.
  • 7.5% for non-Hispanic whites.

Hispanic children and youth had the largest increases in type 1 diagnoses. The highest increases in type 1 rates were among Pacific Islanders and Asian children and youth.

There were increases in type 2 diagnoses among children and youths from 2002 to 2010. The rates for non-Hispanic whites were stable from 2011 to 2015.

Black Americans rose a lot.

There is an urgent need to address racial disparity in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Learn more about racial disparities in diabetes treatment and how some researchers are addressing this.

There are a number of factors that may lead to type 2 diabetes.

lifestyle factors can increase risk, but some unavoidable factors can.

Fixed risk factors

Some factors can not be changed.

One is your age, as you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes after age 45.

Genetics may also contribute to developing diabetes since having a close family member with the condition appears to increase a person’s risk.

Related health conditions

Diabetes can occur with other health conditions. If you have one of these conditions, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Related health conditions include:

Prediabetes

A person with prediabetes — also called borderline diabetes — has a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

If you have borderline diabetes, you have high glucose levels, but they’re not currently high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Not everyone with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes. Taking action to lower the levels of the blood sugar can slow or reverse the progress of the disease.

If you or someone you know receives a diagnosis of borderline diabetes, there are many preventive measures to take, like adjusting your diet.

Factors related to lifestyle

“A sedentary lifestyle with limited physical exercise can increase someone’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

A diet high in processed foods and added sugars may increase your chances of getting sick.

Together, these lifestyle factors can lead to “It’s obese.” and related health conditions. This, in turn, can increase your chances of developing diabetes.

The CDC estimates that 89% of U.S. adults with diabetes have overweight or “It’s obese.”. For some people, losing weight may delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

If someone is under 18 they may benefit from screening for diabetes.

  • The top 15% of the general population have a body mass index above the 85th percentile.
  • There are other possible symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
  • Have other health conditions..
  • A family member has type 2 diabetes.
  • There is a birth parent who had diabetes during their pregnancies.
  • They are from a group that is high risk.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Black Americans are almost twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as whites. The NIH adds that the disparities have been growing over the last 30 years.

Biological factors appear to play a key role, including “It’s obese.”.

Black Americans with diabetes have different outcomes due to many factors.

  • There is a lack of safe places for exercise.
  • “It’s difficult to afford fresh foods.”
  • Depression., which can affect how a person manages diabetes
  • a lack of research involving Black Americans with diabetes that could lead to more effective medical decisions
  • Difficulty following treatment plans due to high costs is a problem.
  • “Black Americans and children are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes when doctors don’t know the type.”

How does diabetes affect people?

It is possible to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes, even after a diagnosis of prediabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, regularly exercising and losing about 7% of your body weight (if you weigh 200 pounds) can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by 58%.

Some people may also delay diabetes onset by taking diabetes medication.

You can discuss your goals with a doctor.

Not everyone can prevent diabetes entirely. Still, taking early steps can still help prevent complications from diabetes and improve your overall quality of life.

How can you prevent it?

People often ask about the risk of having type 2 diabetes.

What are some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

Genetic and environmental factors can both play a role. The most common risk factor is being overweight or having “It’s obese.”.

People with a history of gestational diabetes or aspects of metabolic syndrome — such as high blood pressure. and cardioThe disease of the veins. — also have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

What is the main risk factor?

Statistics indicate that 89% of people with type 2 diabetes have “It’s obese.”. This suggests it is the most common risk factor.

How can you prevent prediabetes from becoming diabetes?

Someone with prediabetes has higher than recommended blood sugar levels. They are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

But you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by exercising regularly, losing 5–7% of your body weight (though this may vary based on your body), and making dietary changes.

In the past, type 1 diabetes was more common in children and teens than in older adults.

Cases of type 1 diabetes are still highest for people under age 20, but the rates of type 2 diabetes in youth are rising. Experts believe that lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise play a role.

People over age 45 still have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than younger people, but it’s becoming more common to receive a diagnosis at a younger age.

Some people have a relatively high risk of developing type 2 diabetes at any age. This includes people with “It’s obese.”, high cholesterol levels, and other aspects of metabolic syndrome. Socioeconomic factors can also contribute to developing diabetes if they affect a person’s access to healthcare, safe exercise spaces, and a fresh and varied diet.