Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
Published on: July 5, 2022
Characteristics of American young adults with increased risk for type 2 diabetes: a pilot study
Eunseok Cha1, Guillermo Umpierrez1, Kevin H Kim2
1Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (Drs Cha, Umpierrez, Dunbar, Ms Bello)
Purpose:
The purpose of the study was to examine the characteristics of American young adults with increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Methods:
Participants ages 18 to 29, overweight/obese, and sedentary were recruited from the metro Atlanta area in the United States. Variables included demographics, anthropometric and clinical variables, and physical activity. Of 107 participants, 3 participants had undiagnosed diabetes and 1 participant did not complete the modifiable activity questionnaire. Thus, 103 young adults remained for the final data analysis.
Results:
Most participants were females and African Americans. About 30% of participants had prediabetes, either impaired fasting glucose, an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4%, or both. Overall, prediabetes young adults were heavier and did less physical activity than Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial participants. In addition, these young adults had a higher prevalence of parental T2D history and lower level of physical activity compared to young adults with normoglycemia.
Conclusions:
Physical activity and parent T2D history are key risk factors for identifying young adults with prediabetes. Multilevel strategies are necessary to raise awareness of diabetes risk and to prevent T2D in young adults.
Related Concept Videos
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology