Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review From Adolescence to Adulthood

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, traditionally considered a disease of adults, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals, including adolescents and young adults. This review provides a comprehensive examination of early-onset type 2 diabetes, focusing on its unique characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and clinical implications. The condition develops through interactions between genetic susceptibility, lifestyle factors, and metabolic changes during growth and development. Youth diagnosed with type 2 diabetes face the challenge of managing a chronic disease over many decades of life. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both medical and psychosocial needs, incorporating lifestyle modifications, appropriate pharmacological interventions, and coordinated healthcare delivery. The transition from pediatric to adult care represents a critical period requiring careful attention to ensure continuity of treatment. Early-onset type 2 diabetes represents a pressing public health challenge that demands a shift in focus from treatment to prevention, emphasizing early screening of at-risk youth, promoting healthy environments, and incorporating family-centered interventions to reduce the burden of this condition on individuals and healthcare systems.