Epidemiology of paediatric metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus

The epidemic in childhood obesity is a driving force behind the increase in paediatric metabolic syndrome, a collection of abnormalities that is associated in adults with increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although there is no clear consensus about the paediatric definition for metabolic syndrome, the prevalence of this syndrome is clearly rising. Children with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for metabolic syndrome in adulthood. A late consequence of metabolic syndrome is type 2 diabetes, which increasingly affects adolescents. The rise in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in children is almost sure to lead to an increase in associated complications in young adulthood, including early cardiovascular disease. This epidemic will bear fruit in forthcoming decades, putting further stress on the healthcare system and probably leading to increased morbidity and a shorter lifespan for future generations.