Diabetes in the young: a population-based study of South Asian, Chinese and White people

Rates of diabetes mellitus in the young have not been quantified on a population level, particularly in South Asian and Chinese populations, which bear high rates of diabetes. We determined the incidence of diabetes (Type 2 diabetes and diabetes using insulin only) and rates of hospitalizations among South Asian, Chinese and White people aged 5-29 years with newly diagnosed diabetes.

People with newly diagnosed diabetes (1997-2006) in British Columbia, Canada were identified using population-based administrative data and pharmacy databases. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated for people with diabetes prescribed insulin only and those with Type 2 diabetes. They were followed for up to 8 years for all hospitalizations and diabetes-related complications.

There were 712 South Asians, 498 Chinese and 6176 White people aged 5-29 years with diabetes. Most youth with diabetes had Type 2 diabetes (South Asian 86.4%; Chinese 87.1% and White 61.8%). The incidence of diabetes on insulin only was highest in White people compared with the other groups. The incidence of Type 2 diabetes was highest in South Asians, particularly in 20-29-year-olds, with rates 2.2 times that of White people and 3.1 times that of Chinese people. Hospitalization and diabetes-related complications were uncommon in all groups.

The incidence of Type 2 diabetes is higher than previously estimated among youth and is now surpassing diabetes on insulin only. Significant reductions in Type 2 diabetes screening ages in South Asians need to be considered and prevention efforts are urgently required in childhood and adolescence. Global estimates need to consider the epidemic of Type 2 diabetes in the young.