The emerging adulthood gap in diabetes prevention research

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
• Public Health
• Developmental Science

Background:

• Emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) is a unique developmental period with significant physiological and social factors impacting long-term health.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes prevention efforts have advanced for other age groups, but emerging adults remain understudied.
• This age group represents a critical window for early intervention to prevent chronic diseases later in life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the underrepresentation of emerging adults in CVD and diabetes prevention research.
• To analyze existing clinical guidelines for prediabetes screening and management in the US.
• To identify research gaps and propose recommendations for increased inclusion of emerging adults.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of four major US clinical practice guidelines for prediabetes screening and management.
• Review of cited evidence within these guidelines, focusing on pediatric and adult populations.
• Examination of study demographics to determine the inclusion of emerging adults.

Main Results:

• The majority of studies cited in major pediatric and adult diabetes prevention guidelines do not include emerging adults.
• A significant gap exists between pediatric and adult research, failing to bridge childhood risks to adult chronic disease.
• Emerging adults are largely excluded from research informing current clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to increase the representation of emerging adults in diabetes and CVD prevention research.
• Addressing this research gap is essential for establishing effective early interventions and preventing adult chronic diseases.
• Recommendations are provided for researchers to enhance the inclusion of emerging adults in future studies.