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Prevalence of risk for type 2 diabetes in school children
Ximena Urrutia-Rojas1, John Menchaca
1Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth 76107, USA. xurrutia@hsc.unt.edu
Insights
A study found 22.6% of fifth graders are at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Minority children and those with high screen time face significantly higher risks, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant health threat, with projections indicating a high prevalence among children born in the US.
- Current random screening methods are insufficient for identifying at-risk children for T2DM.
- Disparities exist, with African American and Hispanic children facing substantially higher risks of developing diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of risk factors for T2DM in a cohort of fifth-grade children.
- To identify specific demographic and environmental factors associated with T2DM risk.
- To inform the development of targeted primary prevention strategies for pediatric T2DM.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 1066 fifth-grade children using American Diabetes Association guidelines.
- Analysis of demographic data, including race/ethnicity.
- Assessment of environmental risk factors, such as daily screen time (TV/video games).
Main Results:
- Overall, 22.6% of children screened were identified as being at risk for T2DM.
- African American and Hispanic children were approximately 8 times more likely to be at risk compared to Caucasian children.
- Children spending 2 or more hours daily on TV/video games showed a 73% increased likelihood of being at risk.
Conclusions:
- Modifiable environmental risk factors, including excessive screen time, contribute significantly to T2DM risk in children.
- Preventive interventions targeting school and community levels are crucial for reducing overweight and preventing T2DM, particularly in minority populations.
- Early identification and intervention are essential for mitigating the growing epidemic of pediatric T2DM.
Abstract:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 children born in 2000 in the United States will become diabetic. The odds are higher for African American and Hispanic children as nearly 50% of them will develop diabetes. Random screening is not effective in identifying children at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); therefore, there is a need to apply screening strategies that guide the development of appropriate primary prevention efforts. To assess the prevalence of risk factors for T2DM, 1066 fifth-grade children were screened using American Diabetes Association guidelines. Overall, 22.6% were found at risk; African American and Hispanic children were almost 8 times more likely to be at risk when compared to Caucasians (odds ratio = 7.41 and 7.87). Children who reported watching TV/playing video games 2 or more hours/day were 73% more likely to be at risk. Children identified to be at risk were referred to their primary care provider and were invited to participate in a counseling session. The environmental risk factors for T2DM identified in this study are modifiable and should be targeted in preventive interventions at the school and community level to reduce overweight and consequently prevent T2DM in children, especially among minority children.
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