Risk Factors for Development of Type 2 and Prediabetes in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic correlated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes in pediatric populations.
• This study investigated potential novel risk factors for pediatric diabetes that may have emerged during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze risk factors associated with new-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes in children and adolescents.
• To determine if the COVID-19 pandemic altered the landscape of diabetes risk factors in this age group.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of health records from a large integrated health system for patients aged 0-19 years (2020-2023).
• Utilized descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regressions to assess risk factors for T2D and prediabetes.
• Examined the impact of weight status, age, insurance status, race/ethnicity, and COVID-19 infection on diabetes incidence.

Main Results:

• Children with overweight or obesity had significantly higher odds of developing prediabetes and T2D.
• Adolescents (12-19 years) showed increased risk for both prediabetes and T2D compared to younger children.
• Publicly insured children, and Black and Asian children faced higher risks for T2D and prediabetes, respectively. COVID-19 infection was not a significant risk factor.

Conclusions:

• The primary risk factors for pediatric prediabetes and T2D during the pandemic remained consistent with pre-pandemic trends.
• Key risk factors identified include adolescent age, overweight/obesity, public insurance status, and non-White ethnicity.
• No new diabetes risk factors were identified as emerging specifically due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the pediatric population.